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7/31/2020

Gauntlet Video Roundup - July 31, 2020

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Greetings, and welcome to the weekly Gauntlet Hangouts video roundup! Enjoy these recordings of online games organized through Gauntlet Hangouts and the Gauntlet RPG Community. These recorded sessions represent only a portion of the selection of games available every week, and anyone is welcome to join the fun! If you'd like to play or watch more games like these, check out the links and information at the bottom of the post.

Star Wars Saturday

Rust Hulks (Session 3)
Rich Rogers runs for Cody Eastlick, Jamila R. Nedjadi, Michael G. Barford, and Steven Watkins
The crew of the Smoky Bantha finish their super long haul, meet old friends, make new ones, and get in lots of trouble on the way.

Don't Rest Your Saber (Session 2)
Rich Rogers runs for David Miessler-Kubanek and Steven Watkins
Master and Padawan face a former ally and her master - Darth Malorous. The price paid is high. Tatooine will never be the same again.

Gauntlet Sunday

Brindlewood Bay (Session 4)
Lowell Francis runs for Dan Brown and Will H
Darkness begins to surround the Mavens as tendrils of the conspiracy reach out to them. This leads to a final, tragic accusation which goes horribly wrong...exactly as some had planned.

Gauntlet Quarterly

Checkpoint Midnight: Waltz of Treachery (Season 1, Session 4 of 4)
Alexi S. runs for Chris Sellers, Leandro Pondoc, Mark (they/them), and Puckett
In the first season finale of our Quarterly, the operatives snatch some downtime—during which Jack teaches Ashleigh about death and dogs, and Skye tangoes away her stress hoping to impress Emilie—and then delve into the sewers of Vienna in search of a legendary tree. Not everyone makes it out in one piece...

Gauntlet Comics

The Bat Hack (Session 4)
Rich Rogers runs for Jesse A., Jesse Larimer, Lara Boerth-Dryden, and Puckett
The Goblins kick off a home stand...WITH AUTHORITY! Also, Kangaroo Court, "scout's honor," and Dad drama.

Gauntlet Hangouts

Apocalypse World Burned Over: Scars of War (Session 3 of 4)
Sawyer Rankin runs for Puckett, SalamanderJames, Steven S., and Will H
Our lovely screwballs gain access to a lovely hidden cache of alien tech and leftovers. A riot is taken down through alien consumption. There is also probably a cat marriage. All this and more in this episode of Burned Over!

Under Hollow Hills: Moonlight Gloss (Session 4 of 5)
Jesse A. runs for Alexi S., Jex Thomas, and Jim C.
In which Lady Dismay and Florian share a moment, and Yahill uses it to uncover the truth. Also, there is a large bear and a sad girl.

Révolution: Dark Rituals & Robespierre (Session 3 of 4)
Sam Zimmerman facilitates for Richard Moser, Robbie Boerth, and Steven S.
Join us as we delve into the political and emotional quagmire of Reign of Terror Paris. In a city stricken by years of civil unrest, political revolution, and terror, a great darkness has emerged to consume the last remaining hope the citizens of Paris still possess. A vile miasma has destroyed a quarter of the city; killing everyone it comes into contact with. Will we save the people of Paris and drive back the darkness, or will our greed and lust for power spell the doom of all of France?

Poison'd (Session 3 of 3)
Donogh runs for Josh H, Sabine V., and Steven S.
Jackson steers the Dagger straight at the chasing Resolute, eager to trade broadsides with the Royal Navy and put the crew’s mutterings to rest; but will their luck hold?

Masks: Neighbourhood (Session 6 of 6)
David Walker runs for Gerwyn Walters, Lara Boerth-Dryden, and Pawel S.
Blackout - Tri-town is plunged into darkness and its guardians are called upon to protect their loved ones and defend the city in this thrilling climax to volume one of Masks: Neighbourhood.

Beam Saber: Human Gravity (Session 3)
Leandro Pondoc runs for Bethany H., Lara Boerth-Dryden, Michael G. Barford, and Rob Ruthven
Safely back in their hidden base underneath an abandoned theme park, the unnamed Recon Squad rest, recuperate and reach out to each other as the War keeps turning round. Verb declares a rivalry with one who dares deify themselves, Crux makes a connection/nibble with the strange, mysterious cube, Naga is confronted by the memories of the team she would rather be in and JD comes face-to-face with The Breath of Faith.

Ultraviolet Grasslands Season 5: Beyond Moon River (Session 3 of 3)
Horst Wurst runs for Abe Lincoln Jr., Chris Thompson, Puckett, and Will H
The Near Moon

Blades in the Dark: Vigilantes of Duskwall (Session 11 of 11)
Leandro Pondoc runs for Sabine V., Steven S., The Rolistes Podcast, and Will H
The Nightingale cometh! With the contours of her scheme laid bare, the shadowy mastermind sends the Twilight Patrol a final challenge: beat her before she beats them. With the lives of countless at stake as the Nightingale prepares her final song, can our motley band of adventurers and heroes save the day?

Scum and Villainy: Stars in Your Eyes (Sessions 1-3 of 8)
Rye runs for Bryan, Richard, Steven S., and Terry (He/Him)

Get Ready 2 Rock (Sessions 2-3 of 3)
Stentor Danielson runs for David L., Lowell Francis, and Maria Mison
Our last two sessions of Get Ready 2 Rock, as the New Preachers of Pandemonium try to crash a music festival and find love at a civic center.

Night's Dark Operators: The Scent of Blood (Session 4 of 4)
Alun R. runs for Josh H, Puckett, and Sabine V.
After aging russian spy Yuri Arkansky gave the team a lead to a safe deposit box belonging to Kim Philby, they undertake the heist. Sadly their expert thief is called away when his fiance comes under threat from the Conspiracy so it's left to Dylan to con the bank so that Dimitri can play the oligarch while Mia hacks the system under the nose of a bank employee...then there's a vault, a vampire, and a UV bomb...

Masks: Arcane (Issue 7 of 7)
David Walker runs for Andrea, David Morrison, Leandro Pondoc, and Sabine V.
Devils at the Crossroad - The spooky conclusion to our Vertigo Comics-inspired actual play. The Sinister Kids have broken the shadow court and with it, every ward and pact that kept Crescent City safe. As chaos ensues the masterminds of their misfortune are revealed. With Cy Laroux, Rick Soto, Bea Minerva and Ash 'Prometheus' Rodriguez. Full playlist here. Plus intro theme music from the Black Keys - here - Damn those Sinister kids!

Hearts of Wulin: The Immortal Throne (Session 3 of 8)
David Morrison runs for Bryan, Chris Sellers, Lara Boerth-Dryden, and Puckett
The heroes continue the fight for Mile End Village. Lei Ning learns of the manifestation's cause, Min Yang detains the restless spirit, Mirror of the Cloud receives a generous offer of help, and Zhang Long makes a costly sacrifice.

Mage: Powered by the Dark (Session 5)
Lowell Francis runs for David Jay, Jesse Larimer, Patrick Knowles, and Tyler Lominack
The group begins to hunt the Dragon Engine, but it pushes back, sending them into an ambush and then into the hands of the Technocracy. But that path reveals deeper secrets about the real conflict happening.

Spire: Shadow Operations - These Feral Saints
Leandro Pondoc runs for Carlos, Dan Pucul, Paul Rivers, and The Rolistes Podcast
Pilgrim's Walk is abuzz with the appearance of a true, living saint, a Hallow of the drow. But such a figure of power and religious importance, especially in a district overstuffed by faith, can surely draw the wrong attention? Faced with racing against other churches, the Ministry of Our Hidden Mistress has dispatched a cell to Brianna, Rose-Blooming-In-Void, to ensure that if anyone will reap the benefits, it will be them.

Checkpoint Midnight: Vienna 1948 (Session 4 of 4)
Alun R. runs for The Rolistes Podcast and Will Munn
With Chaz Hamilton and Margaritte Durand taken by one of the cold-war factions, and Nico already missing, it is left to Pearl the Golem and Grand Gil the Djinn to stop Vienna being consumed by the creatures the Supernatural Symphony will raise. Pearl's soft heart allows Boris Stepanovich to escape while Gil tries to find Margaritte's sister, the pianist Seraphine. Then there is a night time break-in and a safe is cracked, but the concert goes ahead...

Apocalypse Keys: The Black Nazarene (Season 2, Session 1)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Darold Ross, Joel N., and Leandro Pondoc
In this new season we introduce a new character, a fallen Angel who works with the DIVISION to support her bougie lifestyle. We continue to uncover the secrets and mystery of the Black Nazarene, where shocking revelations come into play!

Apocalypse Keys: The Black Nazarene (Season 2, Session 2)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Darold Ross, Joel N., and Leandro Pondoc
Our DIVISION agents wrap up the Black Nazarene mystery in a stunning and action packed conclusion, where destiny is defied and fragile friendships are placed first.

Brindlewood Bay: Murder Mavens (Season 2, Episode 5)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Puckett, Richard Moser, Sherri, and Steven S.
We conclude the mystery of The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soulless! The Midwives of the Fragrant Void close in around our Murder Mavens, perhaps it's only a matter of time before our lovely old ladies are swallowed whole by the conspiracy that haunts Brindlewood Bay...

Doomsday Defiant: Our Dystopia (Session 1)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Darold Ross, Eli S., Maria Mison, and Sherri
In this session we create the Doomsday we face, our Reincarnated Soldiers, and play out a bit of a prologue!

Doomsday Defiant: Our Dystopia (Session 2)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Darold Ross, Eli S., Maria Mison, and Sherri
In this session we attend a dangerous ball as the reincarnated soldiers are caught up in the karmic weight of their pasts!

Doomsday Defiant: Our Dystopia (Session 3)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Darold Ross, Eli S., Maria Mison, and Sherri
The reincarnated soldiers are victorious, but the weight of their past lives bear down cruelly on them. Forbidden romance blooms, mistakes are made, hope lights a flame in the dark.

You can see all these videos (plus all the ones that have come before) on The Gauntlet YouTube channel playlists, and be sure to subscribe to catch all our great podcasts!

If you'd like to catch these sessions in an audio-only podcast, check out the community-run Hangouts Podcast at http://gauntlet.hellomouth.net/.

If you'd like to play in games like these, check out the calendar of events and the Gauntlet Forums where games are announced.

To support The Gauntlet, please visit the Gauntlet Patreon. Everyone is welcome to sign up for Gauntlet Hangouts games, but Patreon supporters get extra options like priority RSVP for Gauntlet Hangouts games and joining the Gauntlet Slack team where special events and pickup games are announced.

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

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7/29/2020

Tutors, Heirs & Servants: Courtly Wulin Characters

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Last week I posted some of the new play mechanics for Courtly games. Here are some of the new playbook character options.

NEW ROLES
TUTOR (AWARE)
You’re respected as a scholar or expert, though perhaps you do not understand your place. Think Bai Letian from Legend of the Demon Cat or Gongsun Ce from the Lord of Justice series.

Take +2 Forward when you have a Duel (Social) against someone of a superior scale. In addition, on a 10+ you gain the attention and interest of a mysterious benefactor.

PRINCELING (BRAVO)
You’re among the many wealthy nobility, further down the line of succession or heir to a smaller faction. Think Prince Jingyang from The Flame’s Daughter or Ning Yi from The Rise of Phoenixes.

When you go to manipulate courtly gossip, roll. On a hit you may ask for a rumor about a person. You may enhance, change, or reduce that rumor or another. On a 10+ you may declare an entirely new rumor which will take a life of its own. On a miss, your efforts create a dangerous rumor about you or an ally.

ADVISOR (LOYAL)
You’re a trusted courtier, officer, or appointee. Think Commander Ziyu from Shadow or Yuchi from Young Detective Dee.

You’ve learned to navigate the palace well. When you try to gain access to a protected person, location, or item, roll. On a hit you make your way in. On a 10+ you do so quietly, impressively, and without fuss. On a 7-9 there’s a complication. Choose: a rival’s already there, your time is cut short, word of your violation leaks out in the worst light. On a miss, it turns out to be a trap.

FOREIGNER (OUTSIDER)
You come from the North, South, Desert, Provinces-- just not here. Consider why you’ve been welcomed to this court. Think Lai Xi from Warriors of Heaven and Earth or Kūkai from Legend of the Demon Cat.

When you leverage your strangeness or barbaric manners to disrupt a social event, roll. On a hit, the gathering or meeting is broken up. On a 10+, you may skew things to arrange a new meeting between parties. On a 7-9, your actions have costs. Choose: make a new enemy, mark an element, or lose support of an ally. On a miss, your embarrassing disruption cements connections between the parties you wish to split.

HEIR (STUDENT)
You are the declared or commonly believed heir to the ruler. Everyone knows that someday you will be in command here. You may or may not have accepted that, but you wield power without realizing it. The ruler may approve of you or believe you’re a potential rival. Think Wu Luan from The Banquet or Zhao Liying in Princess Agents.

At the start of each session, if you have no influence, gain +1. When you spend Influence for The Game of Court, roll with +2 instead of +1 for each influence spent. You may roll with up to +4 for this.

SERVANT (UNORTHODOX)
You’re a handmaid, assistant, guard, or the like. Perhaps this is merely a cover for other activities. A few see and confide in you, perhaps even becoming a friend. But most above overlook you as you move through the court. Think Chu Qiao in Princess Agents or Lie Ruge from The Flame’s Daughter.

After a private conversation between a PC and another character, explain how you were in a place to overhear it and roll. On a 10+, you heard everything and manage to escape without detection. On a 7-9, you heard everything, but one of the involved parties sees you leave or finds evidence of your presence. On a miss, you hear and see nothing, as your superiors catch and punish you. The GM may decide if your presence is reasonable in the fiction. (Written with thanks to Brandon Leon-Gambetta).

NEW PLAYBOOK MOVES
TUTOR (AWARE)
Drop: Hidden Dragon, A Touch of Zen
Beating the Dragon Robe: When you rally a crowd to your cause, roll. On a 10+, you succeed and may direct their anger, grievances, or fanaticism towards your desired aims. Additionally choose two: your role is hidden, the crowd survives, there’s no retaliation. On a 7-9 choose one. On a miss you turn the crowd against you and what you represent.

To Subdue Evil: When you fight alongside or call in agents of authority, take +1 Forward.

PRINCELING (BRAVO)
Drop: Legend of the Fox, Thief of Thieves
Invincible Eight: You have a group of skilled agents at your disposal. Choose what kind: guards, scholars, spies, saboteurs, merchants. When you send them out to perform a task, roll. On a 10+, they succeed admirably at what you sent them to do and no one’s the wiser. On a 7-9, they succeed but either suffer loss and injuries or reveal your handiwork in the worst possible light. On a miss, they turn against you. You will need to recruit new agents to replace them.

Love on Delivery: When you attempt to manipulate the affections of an NPC towards another, roll. On a 10+, they will find themselves taking or losing an interest in spite of themselves. They will find themselves torn about their existing feelings. If they’re unattached they will act to meet or avoid the object of their feelings. On a 7-9, there’s a complication. Choose: a third party resents your interference or someone from your entanglements misunderstands and becomes jealous. On a miss, your efforts create the opposite results and you create a rift with one of your entanglements.

ADVISOR (LOYAL)
Drop: Trail of the Everlasting Hero, Two Wondrous Tigers

Emperor and His Brother: When you work to change the course of your own faction, roll. On a hit you shift opinion, choose one: they rethink a major decision, reinstate someone who has fallen out of favor, or give back something they controlled. On a 7-9, there’s a cost. Choose: you create a major obligation for your faction; you lose the trust of your leadership; or you reveal a dangerous secret about yourself. On a miss, you fail to convince them and the outcome is worse than you feared.

Trust And Brotherhood: You have a wide network of support and favors. You may have up to six Influence at any time.

FOREIGNER (OUTSIDER)
Drop: All Men Are Brothers, House of Traps
Heart of Dragon: When you Duel (Social) you may use both bonds and influence. When you play The Game of Court, you may use Bonds spent instead of influence to roll with.

Sword Stained with Royal Blood: When you act to change a conflict to a social duel, roll. On a 10+, your opponent must accept. On a 7-9, they must accept or suffer two consequences from The Game of Court of your choice. On a miss, your words ring false and the physical conflict proceeds. The GM chooses one result from The Game of Court to apply to you.

HEIR (STUDENT)
Drop: Face to Fate, Smiling, Proud Wanderer
Golden Lotus: When you set up an event, party, or gathering, roll. On a hit, everyone absolutely must attend for fear of being left out. Take +1 Forward on any social moves you make during the scene. On a 10+, choose: gain 1 influence, draw out someone from hiding or reclusiveness, or gain an office or appointment from someone in power (GM chooses). On a miss, something goes catastrophically wrong. Choose: a rival puts on a better event at the same time; your theme offends someone important, or bad omens appear and everyone quickly leaves.

Shadow: You have a body double, trained to mimic your every word. When you reveal in a scene that it isn’t you but your double, roll. On a hit, the revelation’s a shock. You may suddenly and unexpectedly appear or cut to a scene elsewhere to show what you’re doing at the same time. On a 7-9, there were cracks in the performance, mark and element and choose one NPC who suspected something. On a miss, you appear but choose: your double acts on their own secret agenda or suffers devastating harm.

Like the Thief and Hidden roles, the Shadow move creates ambiguity of identity. That means it’s important during character creation to establish who knows what. Which PCs know of the double? If someone has an entanglement with the Shadow player, does it refer to the PC, the double, or both?

SERVANT (UNORTHODOX)
Drop: The Golden Lion, His Name is Nobody
The Banquet: When you protect someone from the anger or oppression of those in power, roll. On a 10+, you succeed and protect them immediately and from future repercussions. Choose one: take +1 Influence; gain a loyal assistant or informant, or cause their oppressor social embarrassment. On a 7-9, you succeed, but choose one: the protection is temporary or you lose someone’s backing. On a miss, your intervention makes things worse for them, if not right now then in the near future.

The Shadow Whip: You have a complete alternate identity within the court. You could be a guard, a minister, or something else. You can change between your guises with implausible speed. Revelation of your alt identity is up to you.

SOCIAL SCALE
With these new mechanics, characters now have two kinds of scale. The first, applying to physical duels, is Martial Scale. The second is Social Scale. This acts as a kind of protection for foes. If someone is one equal or higher Social Scale, you must duel with them socially when you face them in public. The reverse does not hold true for PCs-- if you wish to avoid a physical duel in public you’ll need to make a social move.

Like Martial Scale, all PCs have equal Social Scale. However, the kinds of things you can now offer for a PVP duel increases (support, allies, influence).

Just as you might work to reduce someone’s Martial Scale, you can take actions to reduce Social Scale. Their scale may come from many sources, see below. There can be Social Superior foes. This means PCs will need to use New Technique to ferret out the secrets of their foe’s position and authority, and then work to exploit that weakness.

RIVALS (GM Notes)
When thinking about court rivals for the PCs, consider how they have the power they do. These can serve as the source and guide for moves you make against the PCs. They’re also the things the heroes can strike at to even the scale. See the examples below.

Also consider their rival’s plots, plans, and agenda. What do they want? If you want to make this concrete, use Clocks, taking a page from Forged in the Dark game. A clock has four, six, or eight segments. Write down what happens when the clock fills. Mark a tick on the clock a) as all or part of a GM move or b) when the players have to do extended recovery scenes. If players interfere with a plot remove ticks.

If you do this, decide if you want to make this public or private. Public knowledge means the players can see and feel pressure from the plot. You may or may not tell them the details of the scheme or what happens when it fills. If you keep the clock hidden, you can reveal it when the players investigate or take a Study move to understand the situation. In any case, you should be clear with your players about your use of clocks.

REASONS YOUR FOE IS A HIGHER SOCIAL SCALE

They’ve carefully accumulated blackmail material over the years.
They have a long-standing reputation for honor and fairness.
The secret cache of wealth they embezzled years ago.
Old glory on the battlefield.
Privy to secrets of the highest.
A network of agents who bring them rumors and whispers.
A cadre of agents with secret techniques who eliminate rivals.
Those who oppose them have a history of vanishing.
Backing of the military
Support from an order of political advisors
Prophecy from a seer about their importance
Tied to the ruler by marriage
Tied to the ruler by blood
Has the ear of the ruler’s spouse
PC Rivalries

If you missed the Kickstarter, you can pre-order Hearts of Wulin here.

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7/24/2020

Gauntlet Video Roundup - July 24, 2020

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Gauntlet Community Open Gaming

The Final Rogue
Jim Likes Games runs for Emily, Lowell Francis, and Shannon
Batman takes on a dozen of his most notorious foes and kicks the crap out of them in this fun one-shot hack of The Final Girl.

Hutt Cartel
Rich Rogers runs for Dan Brown, Greg, Greg G., and Steven Watkins
The death of a Chiss noblewoman on an illicit substance rocks the established Cartel.

Secret Science Sewer Siblings: I Love Being a Critter
Alexi S. runs for Lowell Francis, Michael G. Barford, and Tyler Lominack
Oh snap! The sewer critters' Red Panda mentor has been kidnapped by Insectazoids! Time for Aquinas the bad boy horned toad, Locke the nerdy big-eared bat, and Diogenes the goofball tiger shark to spring into action!

The Mustang
Donogh runs for Elise, Jim Likes Games, and Tech Ghoul
It's the witching hour, the moon is full, and fresh blood is on the ground. The Mustang will surely run tonight. It is a living nightmare: A soot-black stallion with eyes like burning coals, breath of flame, and hooves of ringing steel. It's swift and deadly. It is everything that is savage and cruel, given physical form.

Night's Dark Operators: The Factory
Alun R. runs for Adam M., Nick, The Rolistes Podcast, and Will H
The team have a lead on a Lisky Bratva human trafficking hub in Hungary so Harry the Black Bagger bugs a bratva car, Azul the Wet Worker beats some info out of a barman, Ameer the Analyst jumps a bratva goon who sadly doesn't recover from a drug's overdose, while Ryan the Sparks hijacks the local cell phone network. Then...there's a zip-line, innocent civilians, a drone strike and...'The Arrival'...

Alien Dark: The Distress Signal
Alun R. runs for Adam M., David Schultz, and Terry (He/Him)
The crew of the USCSS Omestra are woken from hypersleep by a distress signal from Mine Station Durin. Cartwright, the Corp Rep, insists they need to confirm there isn't a problem, even when the station claims the signal was sent in error. She, along with Chief Engineer Littigan, Navigator Levalia and Science Officer McRea take one of the shuttles down to the mine to 'dot the I's & cross the T's'. There's a shady senior executive, a worried colonial marshall, and their own Science Officer not telling the truth ... then this weird crab like things drops on the bar in front of Littigan...

Monster of the Week: The Silence of the Woods
Tyler Lominack runs for Mario C, Sabine V., Sherri, and Terry (He/Him)
In 1987 a group of Paranormal Investigators went to Dalton, Kentucky to find 'The Witch of Summer Creek'. In 1992 a group was hired to go find them. You are that group.

Monster of the Week: The Silence of the Woods
Tyler Lominack runs for Elise, Saribel P., and Tech Ghoul
In 1987 a group of Paranormal Investigators went to Dalton, Kentucky to find 'The Witch of Summer Creek'. In 1992 a group was hired to go find them. You are that group.

Pasión de las Pasiones: Embers of Love
Lowell Francis runs for David Schultz, Ray, and The Rolistes Podcast
Socking secrets will be revealed in the wake of the hotel manager's disappearance. Will Ursula hold on to power? Or will Michel seize control? And what of Veronica's suspicions?

Star Wars Saturday

Don't Rest Your Saber (Session 1)
Rich Rogers runs for David Miessler-Kubanek and Steven Watkins
Merida and Tel Rhatt travel to Tatooine to face an old ally, only find a darker threat was waiting for them.

Gauntlet Sunday

Brindlewood Bay (Session 3)
Lowell Francis runs for Dan Brown, Scot Ryder, and Will H
The Mavens provide a shocking solution to the Bake-Off mystery, but have little time to rest on their laurels as a former friend drops dead at a local B&B's High Tea.

Gauntlet Quarterly

Checkpoint Midnight: Waltz of Treachery (Season 1, Session 3/4)
Alexi S. runs for Chris Sellers, Leandro Pondoc, Mark (they/them), and Puckett
Our supernatural operatives brave explosions, attempted drownings, and an unexpected liaison before embarking on a personal mission to flush out Skye's elusive handler. Jack brings out the big guns, Emilie meets a nemesis, Ashleigh has an electrifying vision, and Skye learns the consequences of turning on the one who holds your leash. In the end, smoke rises from a new battleground in Vienna...

Gauntlet Comics

The Bat Hack (Session 3)
Rich Rogers runs for Jesse Larimer, Lara Boerth-Dryden, and Puckett
The Goblins travel to Innsmouth to play the Old Ones. Pranks, busted rallies, fish and chips, and there's no such thing as rain delays in Innsmouth, apparently.

Gauntlet Comics Summer Crossover

Masks: School of Hard Knocks (Session 5)
Sawyer Rankin runs for David Morrison, David Walker, Jae, and Leandro Pondoc
The world has changed and our heroes find themselves dealing with the fallout. They find their own hide out and things begin falling into place...hopefully.

Masks: School of Hard Knocks (Session 6)
Sawyer Rankin runs for David Morrison, David Walker, Jae, and Leandro Pondoc
A new ally is found(?) and the stage to take down the School of Hard Knocks is coming to a head. Plans are made and situations are made awkward. Also, there's kind of a cult involved...

Masters of Umdaar: Fragments of Futures Past (Session 3 of 5)
Chris Newton runs for Jo Zantek, Lara Boerth-Dryden, Puckett, and Steven S.
The characters confront Thrakk the Purifier in his new airship, and end up meeting sauroid dino-riders on Zealandia before crashing the airship into the Venomous Willow fortress of Miliv the Sorceress!

Gauntlet Hangouts

Under Hollow Hills: Moonlight Gloss (Session 3 of 5)
Jesse A. runs for Alexi S., Jex Thomas, and Jim C.
In which the Carnival Phantasmic arrives in the Starstruck Maze, Florian connects with an old friend, Yahil extends a hand to lost girl and Lady Dismay reminds us what the Nightmare Horse truly is.

Checkpoint Midnight: Vienna 1948 (Session 2 of 4)
Alun R. runs for Jim Likes Games, Max Kämmerer, and Will Munn
The characters regroup at Checkpoint Midnight where we discover what special services the cafe offers above 'kaffee und kuchen' and meet its enigmatic proprietor, 'CA'. Chaz breaks up a fight before 'the Twins' get involved, Nico exploits an opportunity to exert some pressure, and Pearl continues to wonder at the nature of humanity...and there's an arcane symphony, a hostage, and a lead on Boris...

Apocalypse World Burned Over: Scars of War (Session 1 of 5)
Sawyer Rankin runs for Puckett, SalamanderJames, Steven S., and Will H
We set up a world where aliens had laid down their horrid claws and rent the very firmament. We also have cats. Like, cool cats. You should check us out.

Apocalypse World Burned Over: Scars of War (Session 2 of 5)
Sawyer Rankin runs for Puckett, SalamanderJames, Steven S., and Will H
The stakes grow ever deadlier as the old alien scourge is signaled by the primal war machine. A mall is taken over, a life is lost, and gambling pays off in the end.

Masks:Neighbourhood (Session 5)
David Walker runs for Gerwyn Walters, Lara Boerth-Dryden, Pawel S., and Will H
The Grey Ghost - The Gridlock Guardians discover the secret identity and fate of the Grey Ghost! Dynamic's bravado puts their parents in the firing line. Nox's best friend reveals she has a crush on Zack Bilingsby. Oriflamme plucks up the courage to ask Jem out. Whilst Jeff edits Quiver out of most of the episode and focuses on Sparky - everyone loves Sparky!

Beam Saber: Human Gravity (Session 2)
Leandro Pondoc runs for Bethany H., Lara Boerth-Dryden, Michael G. Barford, and Rob Ruthven
Amidst the ruins of a crashed space station, a recon group sent by the Church of the Celestial Myriad finds no shortage of intrigue as they find their personal lives entangled with the mysteries of Exodus Republic Inc. Verb fights a kindred spirit, Vagabond questions her bonds with her comrades, JD runs into an unexpected figure and Crux faces a box of mysteries.

Blades in the Dark: Vigilantes of Duskwall (Session 10)
Leandro Pondoc runs for Sabine V., Steven S., The Rolistes Podcast, and Will H
Amidst Lord Scurlock's ship, stuffed with nightmarish Hulls and dangerous nemeses, the Twilight Patrol uncover the beginnings of an assault upon Doskvol itself. Amosen is caught between a ship and a shotgun-toting sister, The Tough One reaches out to a ghostly friend, The Raven Doctor invites Lord Scurlock to a date and Redcoat faces his archenemy.

Night's Dark Operators: The Scent of Blood (Session 3 of 4)
Alun R. runs for Bodhi, Josh H, Puckett, and Sabine V.
Having stumbled on the CIA extraction of Yuri Arkansky last session, and seen their team taken apart by vampire Simon Throndal, the operators lifted the aging soviet era spy themselves to find that he expects them (that is the CIA he thinks they are) to get him and his granddaughter to safety in America before he spills what he knows. Unfortunately, the Russian Embassy know she's arriving from London tomorrow night and is going all out to hold on to her and find him. Meanwhile, the Vampire Conspiracy, in the form of Throndal, is also hunting them. Cut to Vienna airport...there's some smooth breaking and entering (both physical and digital), an FSB kill team, and a trip on a baggage conveyor belt...and Kansas...

Masks: Arcane (Issue 6)
David Walker runs for Andrea, David Morrison, Leandro Pondoc, and Sabine V.
The Midnight Court - The Sinister Kids face the Midnight court and the Carnival King and Queen. Crescent City is changed forever.

Hearts of Wulin: The Immortal Throne (Session Zero)
David Morrison runs for Bryan, Chris Sellers, Lara Boerth-Dryden, Maria M., and Puckett
In this session zero we detail the court in which our characters will find themselves. Golden Soul Scholar has recently risen to the Immortal Throne, ruling over the Wulin backed up by his martial prowess and pacts with demons. 5 important clans are prominent within the Wulin - the Wang, Shan, Chan, Liu, and Wu clans - and the sixth major power is the mysterious Eleven Devil Perfection Society. Sometimes allies, and sometimes rivals, we will see these clans clash and jockey for position. We are also introduced to our characters: Zhang Long, the blind sorcerer and master of spiders, and the upstanding magistrate Min Yang - both members of the Wu clan. Mirror of the Cloud is a mysterious figure from the ever enigmatic Eleven Devil Perfection Society. Yaling Liu is a quietly ambitious handmaiden to the Liu clan's Silver Starlight, Consort to Golden Soul Scholar. And Lei Ning is a junior member of the Shang clan with an almost unquenchable curiosity.

Hearts of Wulin: The Immortal Throne (Session 1 of 8)
David Morrison runs for Bryan, Chris Sellers, Lara Boerth-Dryden, Maria M., and Puckett
Our heroes are called to an assembly at the Temple of the Immortal Throne, where Golden Soul Scholar lays out the threats facing the Wulin - inexplicable storms and strange creatures plague the lands. Zhang Long's spiders spread throughout the court, as his master Azure Condor is imprisoned for speaking out against Golden Soul Scholar. Lei Ning discovers Porcelain Smile, the head of the Eleven Devil Perfection Society, may not be all they seem. Liu Yaling overhears a private moment between Golden Soul Scholar and Silver Starlight, learning more than she should. Min Yang speaks of his concerns to Zhang Long. [And unfortunately at this point my internet cut out, and we had to abandon the session early.]

Hearts of Wulin: The Immortal Throne (Session 2 of 8)
David Morrison runs for Bryan, Chris Sellers, Lara Boerth-Dryden, Maria M., and Puckett
Mirror of the Cloud meets one of Golden Soul Scholar's inner circle, Duke Frozen Lake, whose icy demeanour is almost thawed by the irreverent young man. Yaling Liu and Min Yang steal a quiet moment in the court, and Lei Ning witnesses Zhang Long develop a new technique. Disturbing news shatters the peace of the court, and our heroes ride out to Mile End Village to confront a dangerous foe. But one of them may not survive the night...

Mage Powered by the Dark (Session 4)
Lowell Francis runs for David Jay, Jesse Larimer, Patrick Knowles, and Tyler Lominack
The group splits-- with one half looking into Convergent Dynamics and the other investigating the people from Clay's vision. But both paths lead to conflicts with wildly different solutions.

Checkpoint Midnight: Vienna 1948 (Session 3 of 4)
Alun R. runs for Jim Likes Games, Max Kämmerer, The Rolistes Podcast, and Will Munn
The characters follow up on a lead that takes them to 'Le Restaurant Gourmand' on the same night as Boris Stepanovich takes his French hostage to dinner. The maitre'd, Isadore, certainly regrets being swayed by Djinn Gil to give them a table, as the evening does not go as every other diner hoped. Chaz tries slight of hand but triggers a brawl into which Gil happily steps; Pearl gets the girl; and Nico marks an enemy with blood...then there's a car chase and a sacrifice...

Brindlewood Bay: Library Nights (Session 5)
Jim Likes Games runs for Kim Riek and Steven desJardins
Our intrepid pair of Murder Mavens kneecaps the case of Dad Overboard then welcome the Holidays with the opening notes of Jingle Bell Shock!

You can see all these videos (plus all the ones that have come before) on The Gauntlet YouTube channel playlists, and be sure to subscribe to catch all our great podcasts!

If you'd like to catch these sessions in an audio-only podcast, check out the community-run Hangouts Podcast at http://gauntlet.hellomouth.net/.

If you'd like to play in games like these, check out the calendar of events and the Gauntlet Forums where games are announced.

To support The Gauntlet, please visit the Gauntlet Patreon. Everyone is welcome to sign up for Gauntlet Hangouts games, but Patreon supporters get extra options like priority RSVP for Gauntlet Hangouts games and joining the Gauntlet Slack team where special events and pickup games are announced.

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

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7/22/2020

Courts of the Wulin

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With the draft of Hearts of Wulin in the hands of the editor, I thought this might be a good time to showcase some of the optional materials we've developed. Two of our stretch goals involved increasing the material devoted to Courtly and Fantastic wuxia campaign frames. Here's the first part of the new Courtly mechanics. I'll look at the new roles and moves next week.

PLAYING COURTS & POLITICS
Many Chinese wuxia and historical dramas take place in a palace, revolving around intrigues and passions. It’s easy to reframe a Hearts of Wulin game for this setting by resetting the fiction a little. For players and GMs who want a deeper set of mechanics, we offer the following new basic moves, roles, and playbook elements.

Pick and choose from these add-ons. Some depend on other systems, so check those carefully.

“REALISM”
Some of these historical dramas can be (but aren’t necessarily) more grounded and realistic when it comes to the wulin world and abilities. If your group decides they want a more restrained game, talk about how you might calibrate the limits of such elements. Can you run up walls? Balance on branches? Make incredible leaps? A few wild playbook moves can be justified by dramatic license (Flying Daggers from the Loyal). Others will need to be swapped out for moves from other, unused playbooks (Kid with the Golden Arm from the Unorthodox). We encourage you to be generous in your readings.

WHAT IS A COURT?
A court is a gathering place, literally and figurative for those who want to be close to the ruler. They may be trying to manipulate and undercut their rivals. They may be trying to succeed or replace the ruler.

Series like Princess Agents, Rise of the Phoenixes, and Princess Weiyoung center around court struggles. They combine the romantic melodrama of innocents caught up in these affairs and political machinations as nobles try to seize the throne, destroy their enemies, or simply gain revenge for historical slights.

On the other hand, some stories have a more informal sense of court. In The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, our court is the Five Mountains Sword Sects Alliance, wulin factions with old rivalries and an ongoing struggle to see who will be chief. Here the ruler is about power rather than hereditary authority.

Starter questions for playing a courtly game:

What kind of court is it? (alliance of factions, confederation of pirates, empire, kingdom, noble household, regional lord, school, other)
What kind of ruler does it have? (chief chosen by acclaim, hereditary ruler, lord selected by higher power, master chosen by trials, regent, survivor, usurper, warlord, other)
What’s their demeanor? (aged, cruel, cultured, exacting, hedonistic, in thrall, innocent, manipulative, meddling, moody, popular, paranoid, reclusive, vengeful, young, other)
What’s their major source of authority? (bloodline, fear, military favor, network of agents, old repute, popular acclaim, regency, respect for their predecessor, scheming, someone behind the throne, web of alliances, other)

You should also decide what kind of physical space the court occupies. Is everyone under one roof? Are there different houses for the noble factions? Does it move from place to place?

Once you have a sense of the general shape of the Court, the group should select three threats which currently face the court: Alliance Among Old Enemies, Bad Omens, Banditry, Barbarian Hordes, Conspiracy for Overthrow, Corruption, Droughts, Earthquakes, Famine, Flooding, Factional Fighting. Local Authorities Rebelling, Monsters, Piracy, Plague, Pollution, Pretender to the Throne, Questions of Succession, Rival Nation Threatens War, Something Valuable Stolen, Storms, Supernatural Forces, Wulin Clashes, Other

NEW MECHANIC: INFLUENCE
These rules add a new resource, called Influence. This abstraction represents a character’s pull, connections, and also general goodwill. Like Bonds it can be spent, in particular for the new The Game of Court move and Duel (Social) move. Unlike Bonds, players do not track it for individual connections. Instead it is a pool which can be spent from. Default PCs have a cap of 3 on their Influence and begin the game with 0 influence.

Players can now gain influence from several of the basic moves.

Impress: Add gain +1 Influence as an option.
Comfort and Support: On a 10+ you may choose to gain +1 influence instead of a bond, question, or cleared element.
Hearts and Minds: Instead of trying to get them to do something, may simply attempt to extract influence from an NPC. On a 10+ they give you +1 Influence. On a 7-9 they may give you that influence or pick one of the choices.

The GM also has a new move, Cost Influence. They may have players give up influence to pay for a move’s cost or as the result of a miss.

New Move: The Game of Court
When you attempt to put your plots and schemes into action, roll +Influence spent. You may not spend bonds to assist with this roll. On a 10+, gain two hold. On a 7-9 gain one hold. Spend this one for one to make someone (including yourself):

Alienate a key ally
Be subject to or avoid an investigation
Conceal all traces of your involvement
Gain a reputation.
Lose or gain favor or position
Obtain or close off access to a protected object or person.
Slow or divert one of their plots
Spend resources
Take or lose control of a key location or resource.
Gain +1 Influence

On a miss, the GM will flip the move back on you by imposing one of the choices on your character.

Variant Move: Duel (Social)
In base Hearts of Wulin, you can frame the Duel move for social conflict with an NPC. Here we offer a more detailed variant.

When you take on a political foe in a struggle of words, arguments, and revealed machinations, roll. You may either spend Influence or Bonds to affect this roll, but not both.

If they are above your scale: on a hit you lose but may describe how you manage to survive their manipulations. Mark an element (choice). On a 10+, you gain +1 Influence as your determination impresses some. On a miss, your opponent crushes you. Lose all bonds and influence and be prepared for the worst: exile, condemnation, destruction of your line, etc.

If they are below your scale: on a hit, you win the struggle. They suffer embarrassment, humiliation, loss of authority, and/or an end to their plotting. They lose value to their superiors and will be cast aside. On a 10+, gain +1 Influence or maneuver for an even harsher punishment for your foe (jail, exile, execution, line destroyed, etc). On a miss, choose: you win but at a cost or you’re unable to press your case and mark XP.

If they are the same scale: on a 10+, narrate your brilliant approach or stratagem. You may undercut their position, destroy their support, bring their plans to a halt, direct the wrath of higher powers against them, or force a physical duel. On a 7-9, choose one:

Win at a cost: You must take drastic steps to succeed. Burn three bonds and/or influence in any combination; make a promise that disrupts one of your entanglements, or sacrifice a friend. If you do, take the 10+ result.
Stalemate: Neither of you come away with the edge. Gain +1 Influence.
Give Ground: You lose. Suffer embarrassment, but mark XP and take +1 Forward the next time you face them.

Social Interactions and Moves
These rules create more options for social interactions, so when do you use which moves? These overlap and we encourage the player and GM to negotiate about which route to take. But here are general guidelines:

Impress: If your character’s at a large scale performance or event and trying to show off, then use this one. For example, if you want to make a grand entrance into Court.
Hearts & Minds: If you want to use gentle persuasion, manipulation, or light intimidation to force an individual to take an action roll this. If you’re trying to wheedle a PC to do as you ask this is the right choice.
PvP: If, however, you’re trying to make a fellow PC do something they do not want to do, through intimidation, threats, blackmail, guilt, demands, or agitated persuasion, then you need to go to PvP. In this case, you should let the target decide what’s appropriate (Hearts & Minds or PvP). But the acting player should have the option to not move forward if they don’t feel it’s appropriate to escalate.
Comfort & Support: Use this when one PC attempts to aid, cheer, or otherwise restore another, even if their motives might not be the purest.
The Game of Court: When your character wants to indirectly affect things through social manipulation and pulling strings use this move. Use this move to reduce the social scale of an NPC foe. Note that the GM may require the social equivalent of New Technique to reduce the scale of Superior Foes.
Duel (Social): When you face down an NPC political foe one-on-one with the intent of defeating them, putting them in their place, or taking them off the table, use this.

NEW CHARACTER DETAIL: AGENDA
After setting entanglements, players should set an agenda for themselves. This should describe the reason they’re involved with the court and what they want to accomplish.

Bring down (person, group)
Discover the truth about (person, group, history)
Gain prestige for (self, group)
Gather support for (plan, person, group)
Get close to (person, group)
Impress (person, group)
Obtain office or position for (self, person)
Prevent revelation about (self, person, group, history)
Prove innocence of (person, group)
Reveal (person, plan) as a villain
Steal (object)
Support (person, group)

This is a guideline for the fiction, but does have mechanical support. When you’re forced to act directly against your agenda, roll Inner Conflict. Like entanglements, players can change and rewrite agendas in play. The group should check in on these at the start of session.

If you missed the Kickstarter, you can pre-order Hearts of Wulin here.

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7/17/2020

Gauntlet Video Roundup - July 17, 2020

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Star Wars Saturday

Rust Hulks (Session 2)
Rich Rogers runs for Cody Eastlick, Michael G. Barford, and Steven Watkins
The crew of the Smoky Bantha confront the Rodians of the Oonta Goonta to save a young Toydarian, survive a crash, and rescue a criminal from the clutches of the New Republic.

Gauntlet Sunday

Brindlewood Bay (Session 2)
Lowell Francis runs for Dan Brown, Sabine V., Scot Ryder, and Will H
Our ladies discover the murderess from their last case walks free, but the slaying of an obnoxious judge at special American filming of a famous great British Baking Show distracts them.

Gauntlet Quarterly

Checkpoint Midnight: Season 1 - Waltz of Treachery (Session 2 of 4)
Alexi S. runs for Chris Sellers, Mark (they/them), and Puckett
We add a new operative to the mix: Skye the Rusalka, a drowned doctor now on her murderer's leash. Then we pick up with negotiations at Checkpoint Midnight. Ashleigh gets too invested in the golden apple the operatives recovered, Jack juggles potential buyers, and Skye tracks a target home and ends up charging into a burning building.

Gauntlet Comics

The Bat Hack (Session 2)
Rich Rogers runs for Jesse A., Lara Boerth-Dryden, and Puckett
The Goblins eek out a win in extra innings, then get into a bar fight with sore losers. Then...they trounced them again. Poor, poor Dog Boys.

Gauntlet Comics Summer Crossover

Urban Shadows: Coven Prime Summer Crossover (Issue 4)
Jim Likes Games runs for Alexi S., Chris Newton, Jamila R. Nedjadi, and Steven desJardins
The occult heroes of Coven Prime finally meet the missing Gauntleteer!

Masters of Umdaar: Fragments of Futures Past (Session 2 of 5)
Chris Newton runs for Jo Zantek, Lara Boerth-Dryden, Puckett, and Steven S.
Our intrepid archaeonauts discover a new threat to the community of Wellspring that involves an old foe with new friends.

Gauntlet Hangouts

Under Hollow Hills: Moonlight Gloss (Session 2 of 5)
Jesse A. runs for Alexi S. and Jim C.
In which Yahil acquires a new toy and discovers his thespian talents, and Lady Dismay makes a friend of an enemy, and the circus gains a new performer.

BALIKBAYAN: Taking Back Earth (Session 2)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Gerrit Reininghaus, Max Kämmerer, SalamanderJames, and Will
Our cyberpunk city comes to life. In neon acid colored rain we see vignettes of our Elementals as they go about their day, seeking meaning and hope. Our Santelmo uncovers a secret, strange Duwende have been gathering crashed satellites and building something large and strange. The group seeks answers from the Heart of the City, and must face some terrible truths hidden in powerful emotions...

Apocalypse Keys: The Black Nazarene (Episode 1)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Darold Ross, Darren Brockes, Leandro Pondoc, and Stentor Danielson
We meet our new cast of monsters of the DIVISION. We go through character creation and begin our mystery, The Black Nazarene. Panzer X is the Summoned, a beautiful but dangerous robot created to bring about the end of the world. Syne is The Pure, caught in a dark ritual sacrifice and now attached to a horde of demons. Yuldok is The Found, a sasquatch who came to be because the world of dreams made a wish come true. Delilah is a strange young girl who seeks Death in order to destroy it. The Exorcists of Manila have reached out to the DIVISION, seeking help. A pair of statues in the image of Jesus, hundreds of years old, have gone missing from Quiapo church. Our monsters investigate the red light district of Makati city, and begin their investigation. (Note: episode is in two parts.)

Masks: Neighbourhood (Issue 4)
David Walker runs for Gerwyn Walters, Lara Boerth-Dryden, Pawel S., and Will H
Modern Parenting - The White Rabbit is revealed - and Quiver's world changes forever. Oriflamme and Dynamic's troubled relationship reaches breaking point while the Bardges' sisters discover something surprising in their father's study.

Beam Saber: Human Gravity (Session 0)
Leandro Pondoc runs for Bethany H., Lara Boerth-Dryden, Michael G. Barford, and Rob Ruthven
Character creation and worldbuilding as we zoom into the Izyan Conflict on Earth as a Recon squad working for the Church of the Celestial Myriad fights to make it through the War.

Spire: Shadow Operations - The Show Must Go On
Leandro Pondoc runs for Dan Pucul, Horst Wurst, Paul Rivers, and Steven S.
The Masked Heart, a controversial desang production said to have been the cause of revolutions in the east, has come to Spire for one night only. With several parties looking to curb revolt at the source, the Ministry has sent a hardened Bound, a vainglorious Inksmith, a chivalrous Knight and an enticing Idol to ensure that the production sees to its conclusion.

Beam Saber: Human Gravity (Session 1)
Leandro Pondoc runs for Bethany H., Lara Boerth-Dryden, Michael G. Barford, and Rob Ruthven
On the outskirts of Journey City, a crashed space station provides opportunity. For the lowly recon squad under the auspices of the Church of the Celestial Myriad, the opportunity is the plunder of information and the release of falsehoods. But standing in their way are other squads, other factions that help make up this War. JD/Moonshine reaches out to an old college friend, Naga/Vagabond sparks off a friendly race for the goal, Crux/Creak feels the beat of an electronic heart and Verb faces a gleaming, mechanical harpy.

Poison'd (Session 2 of 3)
Donogh runs for Josh H, Sabine V., and Steven S.
In Port Edward we find the Dagger and its crew next. Where Captain Jackson is ready, willing and able to fight anyone, James Fitzjames reunites with his paramour and Jonathan Coldwell discovers that his father is here establishing a new trade mission. They attack the ship in port, hoping for booty and a hostage, but who will pay the price!

Ultraviolet Grasslands Season 5: Beyond Moon River (Session 2 of 3)
Horst Wurst runs for Chris Thompson, Puckett, and Will H
The Magical Testing Site

Beyond the Wall (Session 2 of 5)
Robbie Boerth runs for Brandon, David L., Jason, and Jason Zanes
A Trickster Fox named Wraith joins the part which plans to set out to retrieve a meteorite. Before they can leave, however, they run into a mysterious troll(?) who offers them a drink from his bucket. Wraith takes him up on the offer and has a strange vision. Martyn (Heir to a Legend), Tanner (Young Woodsman), and Drake (Lord's Secret) battle with wyrmlings trying to break apart the meteorite, and afterwards, the group fallows a trail to the entrance of an ancient ruin.

Blades in the Dark: Vigilantes of Duskwall (Session 9)
Leandro Pondoc runs for Kalum, Sabine V., Steven S., and Will H
What seems to be a routine investigation, along with the saving of a fellow vigilante in the form of The Cat, draws the Twilight Patrol into a boat seemingly stuffed with dormant hulls, boxes of ghosts and any and all of their nemeses on board. Will our intrepid heroes survive??

Brindlewood Bay: Library Nights (Episode 4)
Jim Likes Games runs for Josh, Kim Riek, and Steven desJardins
The Murder Mavens enter high society to solve the case of Dad Overboard!

Night's Dark Operators: The Scent of Blood (Session 2 of 4)
Alun R. runs for Josh H, Puckett, and Sabine V.
Following up on the leads from last session's operation the team head for Vienna and aging Russian spy Yuri Arkansky. Mia breaks into the Russian Embassy's data network; Dylan looks up an old 'friend'; and Dmitri infiltrates a reception for delegates at an international trade conference...and there is the first scent of a vampire... (Note: partial recording)

Masks: Arcane (Session 5)
David Walker runs for Andrea, David Morrison, Leandro Pondoc, and Sabine V.
Personal Demons - In the aftermath of their confrontation with Merry Andrew in Rick's Cathedral, the Sinister Kids deal with the fallout. Ash has a heart to heart with their dad, Cy seeks answers, Bea rekindles an old romance and betrays a friend to do it whilst Rick takes a well-earned break, in a room they didn't pay for.

Révolution: Dark Rituals & Robespierre (Session 2 of 4)
Sam Zimmerman runs for Richard Moser, Robbie Boerth, and Steven S.
In a city stricken by years of civil unrest, political revolution, and terror, a great darkness has emerged to consume the last remaining hope the citizens of Paris still possess. A vile miasma has destroyed a quarter of the city; killing everyone it comes into contact with. Will we save the people of Paris and drive back the darkness, or will our greed and lust for power spell the doom of all of France?

Mage: the Ascension Powered by the Dark (Session 3)
Lowell Francis runs for David Jay, Patrick Knowles, and Tyler Lominack
Our mages dig deeper into the secrets of the Crucible, but discover a new threat has arisen in the form of a newly manifested Technocracy installation.

Sleepaway (Session 1)
Steven S. facilitates for Bodhi, Daniel, and Stentor Danielson
Join Camp Counselors The Kid, Robyn, Andrea, and Cody as an entity known as the Lindwurm begins to make its dark presence felt across the camp. But, mostly, they end up having awkward conversations about their feelings and how you shouldn't trust the ones with pretty smiles.

You can see all these videos (plus all the ones that have come before) on The Gauntlet YouTube channel playlists, and be sure to subscribe to catch all our great podcasts!

If you'd like to catch these sessions in an audio-only podcast, check out the community-run Hangouts Podcast at http://gauntlet.hellomouth.net/.

If you'd like to play in games like these, check out the calendar of events and the Gauntlet Forums where games are announced.

To support The Gauntlet, please visit the Gauntlet Patreon. Everyone is welcome to sign up for Gauntlet Hangouts games, but Patreon supporters get extra options like priority RSVP for Gauntlet Hangouts games and joining the Gauntlet Slack team where special events and pickup games are announced.

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

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7/10/2020

Gauntlet Video Roundup - July 10, 2020

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Star Wars Saturday

Rust Hulks (Session 1)
Rich Rogers runs for Cody Eastlick, Jamila R. Nedjadi, Michael G. Barford, and Steven Watkins
The crew of the Smoky Bantha take a risky job on Eliad for lots of credits. Then, they run into some serious trouble on the way with some scavenging Rodians on the Oonya Goonta.

Gauntlet Sunday

Brindlewood Bay (Session 1)
Lowell Francis runs for Dan Brown, Sabine V., Scot Ryder, and Will H
The Maven's reading group is interrupted by a plea from the local sheriff to help with a watery death. They investigate following a trail of clues, but a dark shadow hangs behind the scene whispering of the weird.

Gauntlet Quarterly

Checkpoint Midnight: Waltz of Treachery (Season 1, Session 1 of 4)
Alexi S. runs for Chris Sellers, Leandro Pondoc, and Puckett
In the first session of a new quarterly, we meet the operatives of Checkpoint Midnight: Jack Hardesty, the Unburied Fragment rebuilt into a vengeful revenant; Emilie Landau, the Favored Dodger trusting to her supernatural luck to run schemes all over town; and Ashleigh, the Constructed Manikin fascinated by human mutability. Then we pick up with them in the midst of a mission gone pear-shaped!

Gauntlet Comics

The Bat Hack (Session 1)
Rich Rogers runs for Jesse A., Jesse Larimer, Lara Boerth-Dryden, and Puckett
The minor league baseball team of the Goblins take on their rivals the Rifton Dog Boys...this one's going to extra innings!

Gauntlet Comics Summer Crossover

Masters of Umdaar: Fragments of Futures Past (Session 1 of 5)
Chris Newton runs for Jo Zantek, Lara Boerth-Dryden, Puckett, and Steven S.
The players tell us all about their Archaeonauts, their previous misadventures with some of the Masters, and what artifacts they have heard of connected to the lost hero of New Gauntlet City's past that might just help them save its past and future both!

Gauntlet Hangouts

Checkpoint Midnight: Vienna 1948 (Session 1 of 4)
Alun R. runs for Jim Likes Games, Max Kämmerer, and Will Munn
In this playtest series of Alexi Sargeant's game in development... Chaz the Piper, Nico the Vedma, and Pearl the Golem are tracking a Soviet official with a briefcase they have been told to 'liberate'. Then there's a crowd, four men in a jeep, and children in need of protection...and an unexploded bomb...

Spire: Shadow Operations: The Last Train
Leandro Pondoc runs for Bodhi, Jon Grim, and Paul Rivers
Deep within the Vermissian Network, the failed supernatural subway that sprawls throughout the Spire, lies the Last Train - the only locomotive capable of traversing its nonsensical tunnels. The Ministry of Our Hidden Mistress has sent forth a cell comprising of a rabble-rousing pamphleteer, a cigarette-toting bound warrior and a confident Vermissian Sage to acquire the Last Train for its purposes.

Masks: Neighbourhood (Issue 3)
David Walker runs for Gerwyn Walters, Lara Boerth-Dryden, Pawel S., and Will H
Most Wanted - In the dead days between Christmas and New Year cracks begin to show in the unity of the Gridlock Guardians. Community superhero Dynamic signs a deal with Killgrave and fires his producer. Oriflamme comes up with a cunning plan that brings Nox's sister into danger and Quiver steps up to lead the team in a dramatic showdown with the White Rabbit. All whilst Captain Bilngsby is on the hunt for Nox - accused of the abduction of her alter ego.

Balikbayan: Taking Back Earth (Session 1)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Gerrit Reininghaus, Max Kämmerer, SalamanderJames, and Will
We generate our characters, city, and setting! It was so much fun leaning into the gritty and nuanced aspects of the Noir in Cyberpunk.

Beyond the Wall
Robbie Boerth runs for David L., Jason, Jason Zanes, and Keith Stetson
A Young Woodsman, the Lord's Secret, the Witch's Prentice, and the Heir to a Legend discover a number of strange events leading them to investigate the site of meteorite that has fallen from the sky. They don't seem to be listening to a strange scholar who has just returned from the northern woods and who is warning them of terrors that are best left alone.

Ultraviolet Grasslands Season 5: Beyond Moon River (Session 1 of 3)
Horst Wurst runs for Abe Lincoln Jr., Chris Thompson, and Puckett
Saffron's Return

Poison'd (Session 1 of 3)
Donogh runs for Josh H, Sabine V., and Steven S.
Brimstone Jack, the captain of the infamous pirate ship Dagger is dead! Poisoned by the cook Tom Reed who is now sprawled on the deck. He proclaims that the Royal Navy ship The Resolute is under sail now and Captain Rutherford means to hang them all! Jackson, a common sailor, takes command, despite the misgivings of some, and James, the carpenter, becomes Quartermaster - all the better to eke every last doubloon into his secret coffers - part of the deal to propel Jackson into the captain's cabin! Jonathan Coldwell, the surgeon, has more than misgivings though, but will he stab Jackson in the back during their attack on the merchant ship Queen Anne? Which itself is a trap for the Dagger...

Power Beyond Doubt: Threshold (Issue 1)
David Walker runs for Alun R., David Morrison, Donogh, and Jim Likes Games
Bower Beyond Doubt (formerly Project Lycra) is a Powered by the Apocalypse RPG where you play grown-up superheroes. In this AP we take the time to explain how to build characters and build our world. Welcome to Golden Bay City, a west coast melting pot of life from this world and others. Twenty years ago a spaceship popped out of orbit and bounced off the golden gateway bridge - shortly after space folded and the bridge suddenly opened out into a cosmic cavalcade of light and mankind saw the cosmos!

Apocalypse Keys: The Red Aswang (Session 2)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Alex Guerrero, Alexi S., and Leah Libresco Sargeant
Our monsters from the DIVISION face what threatens our sleepy art college in the middle of nowhere in Los Baños. Our psychic Armant puts together a bold theory, Tufan gives in to the power within, and Cossidae has to deal with a very awkward romantic situation... (Note: session is split into two videos.)

Get Ready 2 Rock (Session 1)
Stentor Danielson runs for Joel N., Lara Boerth-Dryden, and Lowell Francis
The New Preachers of Pandemonium are getting ready to play a benefit concert for an organization getting kids involved in math and science, but their rivals -- who have been sampling their songs -- are also on the docket.

Night's Dark Operators: The Scent of Blood (Session 1 of 4)
Alun R. runs for Bodhi, Josh H, Puckett, and Sabine V.
We meet the team committed to taking down the international Vampire Conspiracy as they pursue a lead to a human trafficking hub run by the Lisky Bratva. Dmitri the Analyst and Charles the Black Bagger collect valuable intel, while Mia the Sparks maps all the entries and exits. Meanwhile, Dylan the Cuckoo gets a job interview...then there's an old and unwelcome face, a ghoul, and a bottling plant...all in a day's work for a group of operators like these...

Masks: Arcane (Issue 4)
David Walker runs for David Morrison, Leandro Pondoc, and Sabine V.
Nail in the Coffin - When Rick and the Sinister Kids go to the Cathedral to question Mr Czin they find something strange waiting for them and the fight of their life with the deadly Merry Andrew.

Révolution: Dark Rituals and Robespierre (Session 1 of 4)
Sam Zimmerman runs for Richard Moser, Robbie Boerth, and Steven S.
In a city stricken by years of civil unrest, political revolution, and terror, a great darkness has emerged to consume the last remaining hope the citizens of Paris still possess. A vile miasma has destroyed a quarter of the city; killing everyone it comes into contact with. Will we save the people of Paris and drive back the darkness, or will our greed and lust for power spell doom for all of France? This is our session zero, where we build our characters, develop the political and physical landscape of Paris, and define our starting state. We have about 1 hour of "character test drive" at the end to get used to the system but the real role-playing will start up next week.

Brindlewood Bay: Murder Mavens Season 2 (Session 4)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Puckett, Richard Moser, Sherri, and Steven S.
We start a mystery by David Morrison, the The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soulless! Our Mavens are invited to Snowdrop House to meet up with an old friend, but something goes terribly wrong...

Mage: Powered by the Dark (Session 2)
Lowell Francis runs for David Jay, Jesse Larimer, and Tyler Lominack
The mages enter into the Crucible to discover a chantry thrown outside of time, now returned to this world. But their exploration's cut short when a strikingly familiar Hit Mark shows up.

You can see all these videos (plus all the ones that have come before) on The Gauntlet YouTube channel playlists, and be sure to subscribe to catch all our great podcasts!

If you'd like to catch these sessions in an audio-only podcast, check out the community-run Hangouts Podcast at http://gauntlet.hellomouth.net/.

If you'd like to play in games like these, check out the calendar of events and the Gauntlet Forums where games are announced.

To support The Gauntlet, please visit the Gauntlet Patreon. Everyone is welcome to sign up for Gauntlet Hangouts games, but Patreon supporters get extra options like priority RSVP for Gauntlet Hangouts games and joining the Gauntlet Slack team where special events and pickup games are announced.

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

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7/3/2020

Gauntlet Video Roundup - July 3, 2020

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Star Wars Saturday

Star Fighter (Session 2)
Rich Rogers runs for Bethany H., Cody Eastlick, and Steven Watkins
The Mammoth Squadron help take down a Star Destroyer...but at what cost?

Ewok Guard: Springrock Tree Village (Playtest)
David Miessler-Kubanek runs for Bodhi, James, and Sabine V.
Oh great spirits! A terrifying behemoth Gorax attacked distant and crucial Springrock Tree Village. Fortunately, your patrol is only a day away. You've chosen to travel there and bring whatever aid you can to the village until reinforcements can arrive within the week. Who knows what devastation or danger awaits? Fear not for we are the Guard!

Gauntlet Comics Summer Crossover

Urban Shadows: Coven Prime Summer Crossover (Issue 3)
Jim Likes Games runs for Alexi S., Chris Newton, Jamila R. Nedjadi, and Steven desJardins
The occult heroes of Coven Prime uncover more clues to the whereabouts of The Gauntleteer, or, perhaps more accurately, their powers! An ambush outside the Library targets Silas and Cenobia, Mata makes a deal with The Shattered Knight, and Silver Dancer drops in on the hottest new super-team of the 90s, S.P.Y.K.E. FORCE.

Masks: School of Hard Knocks (Issue 3)
Sawyer Rankin runs for David Morrison, David Walker, and Jae
Our villains discover that the world isn't quite as it should be. The Gauntleteer is missing not only from the world but from the minds of everyone. Domina Carnifex plays her hand and betrayals begin. What will become of our villainous protagonists?

Masks: Golden No More (Session 5 of 5)
Alexi S. runs for Brian, Dan Brown, Leah Libresco Sargeant, and Steven desJardins
In the grand finale, our young heroes fight to reclaim the Gauntlet and restore the Gauntleteer. Raggedy Jan levels up her illusions, Phantom Pain channels herself from multiple universes, Blitz lets fall the mask, and Red Robe discovers new complications with his phenomenal cosmic powers.

Gauntlet Hangouts

Fellowship: Rebellious Youth (Session 10 of 10)
David Morrison runs for Alex, David Walker, Jamila R. Nedjadi, and Steven S.
In our thrilling finale, the rebels take the fight to the Ordo Noctis. Kalliban leads the Empire in a new direction, Phaethon comes to a final reckoning with the prophecies, Sabila returns something long since stolen, and Ossian goes in search of his own place in the world.

Changeling: The Lost PbtA: Cruel Summer (Session 4 of 4)
Chris Newton runs for Alexi S., Leah Libresco Sargeant, Steven Watkins, and Will
The motley get together again to save the Summer Court from a Keeper-backed coup d'etat and even reluctantly rescue their former motley member, the Summer Prince.

Brindlewood Bay: Library Nights (Session 2)
Jim Likes Games runs for Josh, Kim Riek, Lara Boerth-Dryden, and Steven S.
The Mavens attend a Halloween Party and murder ensues.

Monster of the Week: Mythos 1890 London (Session 3 of 3)
Blake Ryan runs for Eduardo L., Joel N., and Terry (He/Him)
The Shepherd Comes

Masks: Neighbourhood (Issue 2)
David Walker runs for Gerwyn Walters, Lara Boerth-Dryden, Pawel S., and Will H
Fan Service - In this Masks: A New Generation actual play the Gridlock Guardians try to defend Tri-town and the village from organised crime, creeping gentrification, and a sinister conspiracy that runs in the family. In this issue Jem/Nox battles with non-denominational Christmas cookies. Dynamic tries to take back their image. Quiver realises his friends now more about his father than he does and Oriflame somehow ends up agreeing to go on a date with Bluebird. All while Chaos Monkey makes a daring escape and The White Rabbit pulls a cavalcade of weapons out of their hat. Happy Holidays True Believers!

Monsterhearts: Dark Americana: Absolution (Session 4 of 4)
Sawyer Rankin runs for David Schultz, Gerwyn Walters, Jon Grim, and Lara Boerth-Dryden
The finale of our Monsterhearts 2 game where powerful people end up facing down their choices and what brought them here. What will become of our dead and bizarre party when ancient vampires face each other?

Blades in the Dark: Vigilantes of Duskwall (Session 7)
Leandro Pondoc runs for Kalum, Sabine V., and Will H
The Twilight Patrol has made themselves known. Now come the sharks. The Bluecoats are making their move but, with the help of a tough Tycherosi cutter, the Patrol may just come out on top.

Blades in the Dark: Vigilantes of Duskwall (Session 8)
Leandro Pondoc runs for Kalum, Sabine V., and Will H
Before the Bluecoats, led by the erstwhile Elsie Evensteps, can make their move, the Twilight Patrol make theirs first, pulling off an elaborate con worthy of any gang of thieves to convince the so-called Doskvol's law to back away. Officer Solomon Reynes reaches out to a deadly killer, Alek The Tough One connects and "protects" a dirty Bluecoat copper and the Raven Doctor puts on the performance of a lifetime.

Brindlewood Bay: Library Nights (Episode 3)
Jim Likes Games runs for Josh, Kim Riek, and Lara Boerth-Dryden
The Murder Mavens tackle TWO mysteries at once, taking on Decorative Gore Season and All Hallow's Scream!

Keepers of the Cards
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Darold Ross, David Schultz, Joel N., and Sherri
Our children of magic must chase down the creatures and put them back into a powerful deck of cards...but can they do that while juggling family, friendships, AND school? Being a kid is hard, but being a kid of magic is even harder!

Masks: Arcane (Issue 3)
David Walker runs for Andrea, David Morrison, Leandro Pondoc, and Sabine V.
The Sinister Kids - When Apollo comes back to town he asks Prometheus will he choose to live in the hidden world as his Grandfather asks or come into the light like the Order chose to do? The team track down Duke White - the Shadow Knight, deal with Vampires, The Magisterium, and the worst threat of all - a stern telling off from Bea Minervera's moms.

Godbound: Dynasty of Rooks (Session 5 of 5)
Lowell Francis runs for Brian, Dan Brown, Matt Phillips, and Will B
The heroes descend into the Ashen Engine, hoping to stop the Padan of the Green Tower as the city is besieged by a broken angel commanding a swarm of sharkmen.

Eotenweard: The Mountain Queen (Session 5 of 5)
Alun R. runs for Lara Boerth-Dryden, Robbie Boerth, Sabine V., and Will H
Returning from the Fae Queen's Court the characters find that 'time has passed', and that their failure to free Riponum of her curse makes them less than welcome there. Tuca the Commoner has a common sense plan to ensure the curse goes away; something it would be best that Iamon Demonbane didn't know about. Thankfully, he's too busy keeping Modthryth the Loon out of trouble, but not before the villagers begin to whisper 'Witch'. Silver-handed Blacwyn meanwhile broods on his lost daughter and the next steps in his search. Then there is a tinker, an old Fae friend, a royal death & a royal heir, and a bargain over the fate of Spring...

Mage: Powered by the Dark (Session 1)
Lowell Francis runs for David Jay, Jesse Larimer, Patrick Knowles, and Tyler Lominack
We meet our group of mages, gathered in the aftermath of what might have been an ascension war, though no one remembers. Sent to investigate a phantom building, they find things are weirder than expected.

Brindlewood Bay: The Murder Mavens (Season 2, Episode 3)
Jamila R. Nedjadi runs for Puckett, Richard Moser, Sherri, and Steven S.
We solve the mystery of "Murder, She Moaned" but not before we get caught up in some truly spooky and mystical events in Brindlewood Bay, and of course there has to be a cake tasting for Monica and Gordon's upcoming nuptials!

Alien Dark: Distress Signal
Alun R. runs for Donogh, Jon Grim, Rich Rogers, and Will H
The crew of the USCSS Omestra are woken from hypersleep by a distress signal from Mine Station Durin. Captain Trisk consults 'Mother' and confirms they need to investigate, even when the station claims the signal was sent in error. Engineering Tech Ferro is quick to back him up even though XO Morgan thinks they should just get back on schedule. Science Officer Imani recognises the Weyland-Yutani Survey ship in orbit and looks forward to meeting an old friend. Then there's a worried Colonial Marshall, a ship's ransom in industrial diamonds, chaos and death...and Ferro finally loses it...

Under Hollow Hills: Moonlight Gloss (Session 1 of 5)
Jesse A. runs for Alexi S., Jex Thomas, and Jim C.
In which we make characters, Lady Dismay angers a Fire Sprite, Yahil makes a friend and Florian confronts a Mayor...

You can see all these videos (plus all the ones that have come before) on The Gauntlet YouTube channel playlists, and be sure to subscribe to catch all our great podcasts!

If you'd like to catch these sessions in an audio-only podcast, check out the community-run Hangouts Podcast at http://gauntlet.hellomouth.net/.

If you'd like to play in games like these, check out the calendar of events and the Gauntlet Forums where games are announced.

To support The Gauntlet, please visit the Gauntlet Patreon. Everyone is welcome to sign up for Gauntlet Hangouts games, but Patreon supporters get extra options like priority RSVP for Gauntlet Hangouts games and joining the Gauntlet Slack team where special events and pickup games are announced.

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

0 Comments

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