THE GAUNTLET
  • Home
  • Projects
    • Games >
      • Brindlewood Bay
      • The Between
      • Public Access
      • The Silt Verses Roleplaying Game
      • Trophy RPG
    • Podcasts >
      • Fear of a Black Dragon
      • The Darkened Threshold
  • Community
    • Join our Discord
    • Support us on Patreon
    • Follow our Social Media >
      • Bluesky
      • Twitter
  • Contact Us
  • Double Feature Writing Contest

The Gauntlet Blog

Gauntlet Video Roundup - October 29, 2021

10/29/2021

0 Comments

 
[Gauntlet Calendar: Online Tabletop RPG Play]
Greetings, and welcome to the weekly Gauntlet Calendar video roundup! Enjoy these recordings of online games organized through Gauntlet Calendar 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.

Gauntlet Community Open Gaming

Hearts of Wulin: Wedding of Storm and Silence
Lowell Francis runs for Brian, Francisco Olivera, Mairi, and Marcus Flores
Though many do not wish to see the wedding occur our heroes attend and find themselves caught in a web of conspiracy and betrayal which will cost several of them dearly and leave hearts shattered.

Star Wars Saturday

Last Imperial Fleet (Session 2)
Rich Rogers runs for Greg G., Jex Thomas, Sawyer Rankin, and Steven Watkins
We witness escalating tensions, the aftermath of betrayal, and the horror of a rebellious mouse droid.

Stars in the Dark (Session 7)
Anders runs for Marc Majcher, Mark (they/them), Matthew Doughty, and Rich Rogers
Assault on the Dark Lord's Faithful - Supercharged on Force energy from the mysterious but undeniably powerful artifact they recently acquired, the Hidden Daggers set out to end their rivalry with the Dark Lord's Faithful with one decisive blow. Daring StreetSec and Stormtrooper patrols, Darth Vader fanboys, and garage attendants alike, they set out to strike a blow for freedom (and credits).

Gauntlet Quarterly

The Between (Session 7)
David Morrison runs for Anders, David Schultz, and Sabine V.
Hargrave House attends an art exhibition on Cheyne Walk. Trixie meets a fellow countryman, the artist James Whistler, and the two bond over sightings of fish-men. John becomes obsessed with the hands of a young pianist, and arranges a command performance. Ardent meets a fellow practitioner, Alessandra Volpe, in a discussion on art and the occult. After an intense meeting with their host, Lord Fauconberg, John goes with him to view his art, and hears an anecdote of his schooldays. While Trixie and Ardent make a splash at the party. The St. James Street Ghost falls silent, but poor Ginny may have a new master...

Tales from the Low Cantrefs (Session 9)
Jesse A. runs for Alexi S., Brandon Brylawski, Maria M., and Matthew Doughty
A little downtime and a lot of feelings.

Magical Multiverse Tour

Bite Marks: Innistrad Howlpack (Session 4 of 4)
Alexi S. runs for Brandon Brylawski, Harry Coins, Kyle H., and Steven S.
The epic conclusion: challenges, deaths, resurrection, and betrayal! Everything comes to a head for the Howlpack within the sinister walls of the Grimm Keep. Serafina clings to tradition in the face of long-lost family, Brooke tries a desperate play for leadership, Alice speaks for the dead, and Cawle makes a fateful final decision.

Gauntlet Calendar

Cartel: Once Upon a Time in Durango (Sessions 3 and 4 of 5)
Jason Zanes runs for Brandon Brylawski, Daniel Kušan, Pawel S., and Sebastian Deterding
Crooked federale Isabel, bold street dealer Saul, taciturn sicario Angel, and tenacious espsosa Lupe get hopelessly entangled in the violent world of the Narcos.

Vergence (Session 2)
Lowell Francis runs for Harry Coins, Patrick Knowles, Sherri, and Tyler Lominack
The alliance continues their pursuit of the conspiracy, leading them to an ancient monastery and monks who are not what they appear to be.

13th Age: Shards of the Broken Sky (Session 3)
Lowell Francis runs for Darin Rebertus, Harry Coins, Mike Ferdinando, and Steven Watkins
Our heroes return to the valley, but then destruction is let loose raining death and disaster from the sky and that's before the flying city comes hurtling down onto the villages below.

Gauntlet Reading Club

Thirsty Sword Lesbians (Session 5)
Steven S. runs for Claire, David Morrison, Lyra, and Puckett
[Content warning: clonecest; toxic relationships] 5014 makes a startling discovery about their origins while Freckle makes a problematic promise to Lorelei. A mysterious new foe comes after the Kestrel and someone may have to sacrifice themselves to protect the crew. The real question, though, where are all the hair care products on this starship?

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, or catch one of our Gauntlet Community Open Gaming online mini-conventions.

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

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!
0 Comments

Gauntlet Video Roundup - October 22, 2021

10/22/2021

0 Comments

 
[Gauntlet Calendar: Online Tabletop RPG Play]
Greetings, and welcome to the weekly Gauntlet Calendar video roundup! Enjoy these recordings of online games organized through Gauntlet Calendar 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

Gauntlet Community Open Gaming

Hearts of Wulin: Wedding of Flame and Fortune
Lowell Francis runs for Anya, Lloyd, Maria M., and Mike Ferdinando
Our heroes are drawn to a wedding most don't want to see happen, but an attack and betrayal uncover a conspiracy led by someone close to several of them.

Panel: Hard Moves, Reactions, Consequences, and Devil's Bargains
Lowell Francis runs for Jamila R. Nedjadi and Shane
Shane, Jammi, and Lowell talk about GM reactions-- costs, consequences, hard moves, soft moves, turning things back on the player and more. It's a 60 minute talk followed by a 30 minute Q&A.

Against the Vampire Conspiracy
Alun R. runs for José Feito and Mairi
Cam (the former French DGSE Hacker) and Nacho (the former Spanish CNI asset Handler) follow up a lead at a celebrity spa and clinic on the German-Czech border where they don't find what they'd hoped for, but do discover a curious connection to a young woman in Bucharest...there's a woman in the black van providing over-watch and technical solutions, there's a smooth operator manipulating innocent dupes, and a final confrontation with something that steps out of the shadows because it's fascinated by advanced electronic devices...who said vampires don't keep up with trends...and what does a gene sequence labelled 'AVH' mean...

eXorcists: Mutants fighting Demons in the Marvel Universe FITD Playtest
Mark (they/them) runs for David Miessler-Kubanek, Mairi, Matt, and Rod Santos
Pitch: eXorcists are an X-Force-style team (a team willing to do whatever it takes to complete the mission) that a) travel to other Earths, battle demons while rescuing children, and b) repulse attacks from villains who wish to make Hell on Earth. In this Issue: Forge, Emma, Kitty, and Mystique work to save Magik and their comrades Creed and Elsa (with Jeff) from a powerful Madylene Pryor/Goblin Queen! Will their person on the inside, Spiral, help them or betray them? And what is the fate of Danielle Moonstar, chosen to absorb evil magical energy of untold power?

Ares Ascendant: Faces of the Red Planet
Dan Brown runs for Darin Rebertus, Horst Wurst, Mike Ferdinando, and Tori S
Building the pump at the aquifer proved no trouble for our accomplished crew, but when they discovered upon their return to the colony may haunt them forever.

Lord Why Have You Forsaken Me
Dan Brown runs for Amanda/iamatrex, Chris Greenbriar, flint kozmyra, and Steph
Our chain gang escapees jump a train only to arrive in town to find that Kilroy's stolen paintings are for sale in the general store. Confronting the store owner, they learn the art thief who framed Kilroy is in town. Meanwhile, Ethel loses her prized chicken, only to find true love. Henry can't believe his ears when he discovers his wife playing at a music festival, and Goody insists the only way to win her back is to join in. He was wrong.

Escape From Dino Island: The REAL Lost World!
Mike Ferdinando runs for David Miessler-Kubanek, Sean, and Tori S
The film crew and star of The Adventure! Channel's hit reality paleontology series lands on an uninhabited island in the Southern Ocean for another dig...and find actual living dinosaurs...and a mysterious Russian science facility that's somehow triggered a volcanic eruption. Can the team finish their shoot and get off the island in time?

Trophy Dark: The Flocculent Cathedral
Mike Ferdinando runs for Amanda/iamatrex, Cameron D, Chet, and Steph
Four people venture into the Gloaming Mire to seek the riches that haunted their dreams. Will any claim their prize, or will the Mire make Trophies of them?

Palanquin
Donogh runs for Bryan Thrall, flint kozmyra, and Tori S
The Queen of the Ulunaki was slain a palace coup last night, along with her royal consort, and most of her children. Only the Queen's youngest daughter was rescued from the massacre by unlikely hands. Xanling the Scholar, Tanalor the Magister and Periani the Hunter bore the Heir to her aunt Baru who could offer refuge to the rightful queen of Ulunak...but the dangers they face: serpent-tongued demagogues, a chained demon in the storm drains, mud creatures who test the faithful, and insidious lampreys in the very water they would drink, threaten their safe passage and test their abilities to their limits!

Lasers & Feelings: Nebulous
Daniel Kušan runs for Anya, Rod Santos, and Steph
The exploration ship Nebula travels to the distant planet of Penumbra to explore the threat of brain-infecting space worms, and risk their lives to save the future of the Consortium of Galactic Planets.

Swords of the Serpentine: Corpse Astray
Mike Ferdinando runs for Bjorn, Mario C, and Rod Santos
A chance encounter with pirates reveals that someone is stealing corpses, which wouldn't much of a problem if they weren't manufacturing them in the process. Come uncover tragic vengeance, unexpected betrayal, and—if you do it right—prevent the hideous death of thousands. Welcome to Eversink.

Eotenweard: Adwardael
Alun R. runs for Christopher G., Dana, Misha Panarin, and Patrick Knowles
Hildraed the Hammer of the Gods, Osmund the Loon, Lance the Hunter and Ceolwynn the Pagan Mystic are drawn to the village of Adwardael. There's family tension, 'something' preying on Lord Eadward's sheep, wolves, and an inhuman scream of anguish in the night. Then a giant is brought low, a plot is uncovered, and the haunted caverns seek to swallow our heroes...but a villain gets their just desserts...

Visigoths vs Mall Goths
Shane runs for Chihuahua Zero, David Schultz, and Kae
The metalheads are mean, badly dressed, and, okay, pretty hot. But they're planning to burn down the mall! To save the day, the visigoths and mall goths must put aside their differences, ignore their unrequited crushes, and even - the horror! - let themselves be seen inside the mall's tackiest religious gift shop.

In Extremis: Lunacide
Patrick Knowles runs for Donogh, Marianne, and Rod Santos
It's necromancers in space vs. unstoppable crow aliens and you know you need it! We establish the bones of the settings before fleshing out our necromancers, then things get juicier as we get under their skins to see where all the bodies are buried. Get on board, cuddle a skeleton, and let's go kill the f#@%ing moon!

Blazing Hymn: The 4th Angel
Patrick Knowles runs for Katie, Mairi, and Matthew Doughty
The rebuilt city of New Seattle stands as a bastion against the devastation of the Angels and the teenage Hymnal Pilots of CORAL are it's defenders. With a new, untested pilot on the team, everyone at CORAL headquarters is on edge, but when the 4th Angel Attack finally comes the team slides smoothly into the groove to work in perfect harmony! Come for the excessive world-building, stay for the bad-ass anime mecha fights!

Hit the Nazi - Retrieve the Ark
Alun R. runs for Grey, SalamanderJames, Steven Watkins, and Will H
Professor Ernesto Goldman investigates 'something mysterious' beneath New Gauntlet City and Ace Reporter Rosy Strand wants the scoop, while Violet 'Eagle Eyes' Parker, the Sharpshooter and Jack Flint the Inventor are also brought in by SAEON. 'Torpedo Joe' Hains intervenes but our heroes rescue Orville Wilson the site engineer and archaeologist Anna Griffith despite a weakening in the fabric of space-time! There's long dead Hanging Judge Jenkins, a secret lab beneath the City, and a way out that turns out to be a way through, instead. Then...a Nazi glacier base, betrayal, and nemeses old and nemeses new...before a daring zeppelin escape...and a pterodactyl...

Star Wars Saturday

Stars in the Dark (Session 6)
Anders runs for Marc Majcher, Mark (they/them), Matthew Doughty, and Rich Rogers
Our lovable crew of terrible people deal with the fallout of stealing a powerful Force artifact, including a confrontation with the Dark Lord's Faithful! They also tangle with Stormtroopers and make plans for war, while Bria consorts with beggars and nobles, Morn acts as a Force conduit, and Boko just wants everyone to get along. Oh, and Etema gets high again.

Gauntlet Quarterly

The Between (Session 6)
David Morrison runs for Anders, David Schultz, and Sabine V.
Ardent performs a ritual by the banks of the Thames, and draws a little more attention than he was expecting. Trixie undertakes some fascinating research in Hargrave House's library. And Dr. Fenworth visits the morgue, leaving with some clues on the Sally No-Face killings, a new protege, and a pair of human lungs. The hunters gather at Hargrave House to catch up over coffee, and plan their attendance at the Cheyne Walk Art Exhibition.

Tales from the Low Cantrefs (Session 8)
Jesse A. runs for Brandon Brylawski, David Montgomery, Maria M., and Matthew Doughty
We meet a door, and find that she was what the death mist pirates wanted all along.

Magical Multiverse Tour

Bite Marks: Innistrad Howlpack (Session 3 of 4)
Alexi S. runs for Brandon Brylawski, Harry Coins, and Kyle H.
The Howlpack confronts a bothersome Inquisitor, a ghoulish incursion into their territory, and the undead guardians of the Grimm Keep. Cawle romances the mayor's daughter and gets more entangled in human schemes. Alice voices dire fears for the pack and strikes first when violence is called for. And Serafina tries to keep the pack together, but comes face-to-face with a dangerous old friend...

Gauntlet Calendar

Ironsworn: Starforged (Sessions 0 and 1)
Dan Brown facilitates for Bethany H., Chris, Michael Pelletier, and Sam Zimmerman
Session 0 is heavy on the set-up (and I screen-shared practically the whole time). Session 1 the story gets underway. Our crew investigates a Precursor Vault on the planet Miasma after their priest gets a mysterious message from the ship’s AI. Will the former Mender rescue his colleague? Will the Scavenger find anything of value? Will the Bannersworn escape the clutches of the insect swarm?

Carolina Death Crawl
Donogh runs for Gareth, Jim Likes Games, and Kieron
Cut off after a raid, our cavalrymen struggle with everything - but the loot they've taken isn't the only thing weighing them down. There's family history and bad blood lingering in these swamps and murder just waiting to happen...

Red Markets: The Crewsade (Sessions 4 and 5 of 5)
Will H runs for Horst Wurst, Jim Likes Games, Lowell Francis, and Paul Rivers
The Crewsade heads to Gauntlet Con to retrieve a rare mint copy of a valuable comic, but rival treasure hunters complicate the heist! And in the finale, our takers go out on a midwife mission of mercy to help a pregnant woman stuck in the loss - but the Timberwolves have eyes on the Immune Prize! An explosive ending to a wonderful series with wonderful players - and plenty of trouble on the horizon for Camp Lazarus...

Gauntlet Reading Club

Thirsty Sword Lesbians (Session 4)
Steven S. runs for Claire, David Morrison, Lyra, and Puckett
[Content warning: clonecest; toxic relationships] Having gotten away with the loot, the crew of the Kestrel chat with their new passengers, Princess Lorelei and Amor. They seem trustworthy!

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, or catch one of our Gauntlet Community Open Gaming online mini-conventions.

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

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!
0 Comments

Gauntlet Video Roundup - October 15, 2021

10/15/2021

0 Comments

 
[Gauntlet Calendar: Online Tabletop RPG Play]
Greetings, and welcome to the weekly Gauntlet Calendar video roundup! Enjoy these recordings of online games organized through Gauntlet Calendar 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

Last Imperial Fleet (Session 1)
Rich Rogers runs for Greg G., Jex Thomas, Sawyer Rankin, and Steven Watkins
The series launches with a BANG as the Imperial Fleet is hit by an X-Wing squadron while our principle characters are caught in their own schemes.

Stars in the Dark (Session 5)
Anders runs for Marc Majcher, Mark (they/them), Matthew Doughty, and Rich Rogers
Session 5, with Etema the Gunhand, Boko the Hound, Bria the Lurk, and Morn the Scrounger. The crew goes after a powerful force artifact and confronts droids from the Bolt Smashers as well as the Dark Lord's Faithful. Gun battles! Explosions! Making barges do things they were not meant to do! More explosions!

Gauntlet Quarterly

The Between (Session 5)
David Morrison runs for Anders, David Schultz, and Sabine V.
Trixie runs into Lord Fauconberg on Cheyne Walk, while Dr. Fenworth interrupts Ardent in "communion" with the Dark Entities. After applying medicinal coffee to Trixie, Dr. Fenworth and Ardent investigate 18 St. James Street with a combination of science and mysticism, and Trixie visits Jenny's place for a cryptic conversation with the Man in the Sun Mask.

Tales from the Low Cantrefs (Session 7)
Jesse A. runs for Alexi S., Brandon Brylawski, Maria M., and Matthew Doughty
We meet the youth of Clonmel and they encounter Death Mist Pirates.

Magical Multiverse Tour

Bite Marks: Innistrad Howlpack (Session 2 of 4)
Alexi S. runs for Brandon Brylawski, Kyle H., and Steven S.
The Howlpack battles a two-headed, cleaver-wielding ghoul—and someone loses an arm. Serafina takes a hard line against a packmate's recklessness. Brooke offers their wisdom but also bares their fangs. And Alice takes a precipitous step to defy Pack tradition and aid a packmate in need. [Content warning: mild, consensual cannibalism]

Gauntlet Calendar

Paragon System: Rising Tide (Session 4 of 4)
Dan Brown runs for Harry Coins, Matthew Arcilla, and Shane
The team squeezes in one more mission before the season ends, attempting to infiltrate a network of shadow oil rigs. While Jackson remains aboard The Morrigan, Cara, Oscar, and Greg slip aboard the Betsy Ross to take down fossil fuel executive Basil Hawthorne.

A Thousand Quests and A Hundred Lifetimes (Session 1)
Dan Brown runs for Brandon Brylawski and Jesse A.
We meet Jocasta the empathic, knife-wielding thief and Jareth the duelist. They start a bar brawl, which turns into an audition for a mission for the mysterious Lord Summerton. They begin their investigation into the Shadowhands. It does not go well.

Cartel: Once Upon a Time in Durango (Session 2 of 5)
Jason Zanes runs for Brandon Brylawski, Daniel Kušan, Matthew Arcilla, and Sebastian Deterding
Angel the sicario hunts down Diego the butcher (an actual butcher) and spends some quality time with Ignacio's estranged wife Lupe. The crooked cop Isabel gets involved in a deadly confrontation that eventually draws in her sister Lupe and brother-in-law Ignacio. All three engage the mechanics and use "verbally abuse or shame" for stress relief.

'Terps
Donogh runs for Brandon Brylawski, Erez, and Seán M.
Combat interpreters Daupis Krik "Ace" and Njel Cházka "Big Red" work with the Combine, despite the risks to them and their families. But even with the growing relationship with their officers, bureaucratic SNAFUs threaten to derail their visa process to get off-planet to safety...

Vergence (Session 1)
Lowell Francis runs for Harry Coins, Patrick Knowles, Sherri, and Tyler Lominack
The alliance begins to investigate the dark conspiracy, leading to them investigating a crossroads world along the Tormillian Way and facing a world-shattering threat.

13th Age: Shards of the Broken Sky (Session 2)
Lowell Francis runs for Darin Rebertus, Mike Ferdinando, and Steven Watkins
The group heads past the Valefort to deal with the kidnappers, only to find deeper secrets in the woods. But after a successful rescue, a new and devastating threat appears which make destroy the entire valley.

Gauntlet Reading Club

Thirsty Sword Lesbians (Session 2)
Steven S. runs for Claire, David Morrison, Lyra, and Puckett
Soto runs into new PC Freckle and an opponent from his past. K is held up at gun point and flirts with a mysterious intelligence agent. Freckle pretends to be Princess Aurelian and discovers more of Lord Rudolph’s plans for the galaxy.

Thirsty Sword Lesbians (Session 3)
Steven S. runs for Claire, David Morrison, Lyra, and Puckett
In this episode, 5014 meets Princess Lorelei, getting an education in the theatrical arts in the process, and Trace Soto continues his duel with Avery. We wrap up with a round of everyone becoming smitten and it looks like the crew is going to be taking on several new passengers!

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, or catch one of our Gauntlet Community Open Gaming online mini-conventions.

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

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!
0 Comments

Gauntlet Video Roundup - October 8, 2021

10/8/2021

0 Comments

 
[Gauntlet Calendar: Online Tabletop RPG Play]
Greetings, and welcome to the weekly Gauntlet Calendar video roundup! Enjoy these recordings of online games organized through Gauntlet Calendar 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.

Don't miss the next Gauntlet Community Open Gaming event, taking place October 14th - 17th. Everyone is welcome to join us for this completely free online gaming weekend! If you're interested, please click here for more information about the event and instructions for how to register. Hope to see you there!
Star Wars Saturday

Last Imperial Fleet (Session Zero)
Rich Rogers runs for Greg G., Jex Thomas, Sawyer Rankin, and Steven Watkins
The world-building and character generation for our new bimonthly series.

Stars in the Dark (Session 4)
Anders runs for Mark (they/them), Matthew Doughty, and Rich Rogers
In which our lovable (?) crew of scoundrels THE HIDDEN DAGGERS make plans to steal a FORCE ARTEFACT in order to kill some Imperial Stormtroopers on sewer detail, bring in some NEW RECRUITS, and go out for FLATCAKES.

Gauntlet Quarterly

The Between (Session 4)
David Morrison runs for Anders, David Schultz, and Sabine V.
The hunters pursue the Limehouse Lurker into the sewers. Dr. Fenworth draws on the power of faith, Ardent is almost consumed by the darkness, and Trixie puts an end to things. Meanwhile, rumours of a strange fish-man stalking Cremorne Gardens spread, Trixie meets with an old employer, Ardent spreads his wings, and Dr. Fenworth gets ahead.

Tales from the Low Cantrefs (Session 6)
Jesse A. runs for Brandon Brylawski, Maria M., Matthew Doughty, and Puckett
We bid farewell to Tarth and are introduced to Clonmel as years pass.

Magical Multiverse Tour

Bite Marks: Innistrad Howlpack (Session 1 of 4)
Alexi S. runs for Brandon Brylawski, Harry Coins, Kyle H., and Steven S.
In the first session of this new series, we build our Innistrad werewolves, their pack, and their world. Meet Serafina the tough-but-fair Alpha, Brooke the wizened Greypelt midwife, Cawle the conflicted Fixer, and Alice the calculating Howl. How will the Pack deal with the suspicions of their human allies and the supernatural threats of this darkening plane?

Gauntlet Calendar

Cartel: Once Upon a Time in Durango (Session 1 of 5)
Jason Zanes runs for Daniel Kušan, Matthew Arcilla, Pawel S., and Sebastian
On a hot summer afternoon, a mysterious sicario named Angel, a street hustler named Saul, a man with a coke lab van named Ignacio and a guilt ridden crooked federale named Isabel get ensnared in a web of lies, schemes, and murder.

Vergence (Session Zero)
Lowell Francis runs for Harry Coins, Patrick Knowles, Sherri, and Tyler Lominack
Character creation and set up for this FitD RPG of interdimensional conflict and family politics inspired by Amber, Kill 6 Billion Demons, and The Eternal Champion.

13th Age: Shards of the Broken Sky (Session 1)
Lowell Francis runs for Darin Rebertus, Harry Coins, Mike Ferdinando, and Steven Watkins
We meet our party: an assembled fighter, a ranger raised by beasts, an aged aged druid, and a cursed wizards. They arrive at a pastoral valley but something sinister hangs in the air.

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, or catch one of our Gauntlet Community Open Gaming online mini-conventions.

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

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!
0 Comments

The Between: Gesod, High Imperator of Venus

10/6/2021

0 Comments

 
By Matthew Edwards
Inspired by discussion on The Gauntlet Discord, Gesod, High Imperator of Venus, is a Mastermind for the Victorian horror mystery game The Between. Drawing on pulp science fiction in the tradition of John Carter of Mars, War of the Worlds and Flash Gordon, Gesod is a cunning and cruel alien opponent who offers a more fantastical threat for Keepers looking to add science fiction elements to their game.

Gesod, High Imperator of Venus 
Gesod is a Noble Venusian, pale, tall and thin with a bald head and pointed ears, dressed in flowing green and scarlet robes and clutching a golden staff that emits a pale green light which can disintegrate a person in a single moment. Born to the royal family of a powerful Venusian empire, at a young age Gesod distinguished himself as a master strategist and cunning tactician, ascending to the throne over his siblings and conquering nearly the entirety of his home planet. Arriving to a great deal of shock and confusion on Earth, he proclaims to come in peace. He plays the part of a gracious guest of Her Majesty, seeking only to build an alliance between two great powers based on friendship and mutual respect.

Quote: “When I was but a child I claimed my first victory on the battlefield. As a youth I bested my brother to ascend to the throne. And in only five of our years I was able to take hold over the entire planet. And very soon the conquest of your 'United Kingdom' shall be the next chapter in my glorious legacy. You pathetic creatures should be honoured to have such a role. And yet you choose to fight something as inevitable as the passage of stars across the sky.” 

Why he wants to bring the Crown to its knees: Gesod wishes to add Earth to his territory and views the British Empire as his greatest potential opponent.  He believes that if he can topple the seat of British power via subterfuge rather than direct attack this will put him in an advantageous position to begin his conquest of the entire planet, at minimal cost to his own forces. 

The Mastermind Conspiracy
The First Mastermind Clue…
...Is always Gesod’s first appearance in the story
‘The Resplendent’, a magnificent space vessel and flagship of Gesod’s fleet, arrives, suddenly, in the skies above London. Nearly twice as large as an armoured frigate, plated in scarlet metal and ornamented with alien patterns of gold and silver, it hovers without sail, wings or obvious means of propulsion. Its presence there is constant through the campaign and should be referred to periodically.

1 End of Session Scene
This layer in unlocked after the hunters discover the FIRST Mastermind Clue
At the end of the session of play in which the first Mastermind Clue is discovered, narrate a scene showing Gesod in his magnificent throne room aboard ‘The Resplendent’, attended by his hulking robotic bodyguard One-Two-Seven. He stands before a large and incredibly detailed gold and silver orrery, slowly rotating at the side of the room. Gesod approaches the orrery and looks intently at the model depicting Earth. The scene ends as the tiny carvings depicting the British Isles rotate into view. 

Between sessions, write down what you think Gesod’s ultimate scheme for bringing down the Crown is below.


2 Life After Contact
This layer in unlocked after the hunters discover THREE Mastermind Clues
The Keeper can now begin using The Venusian Unscenes. 
Between sessions, write down the names of three Side Characters you’d like to see return during the Mastermind Threat.
1.
2.
3

3 A Threat Becomes a Servant
This layer in unlocked after the hunters discover FIVE Mastermind Clues
Choose an active Threat and narrate a scene showing how it becomes a servant of the Mastermind. If appropriate, the next Dawn Phase narrate a short scene in which Lord Gesod publicly proclaims to have defeated a threat to the good people of England in a magnanimous gesture. Note this in the servants section and tell the hunters that the Threat can no longer be resolved (it also ceases to be “active” for purposes of presenting new Threats, though it is still a danger in London).

Between sessions, write down the names of two more Side Characters you’d like to see return during the Mastermind Threat.
1.
2.

Take some time to revise your idea about what Gesod’s ultimate scheme is. Take into consideration the roles that the above Side Characters might play.


4 Direct Action Against Hargrave House
This layer in unlocked after the hunters discover TEN Mastermind Clues
Gesod’s Servants can now take direct action against the hunters, usually as the result of a Keeper reaction.

Make one final revision to your idea about what Gesod’s ultimate scheme is. Take into consideration everything that has happened in the story up to this point.


5 The Mastermind Threat
This layer in unlocked after the hunters discover FIFTEEN Mastermind Clues
You can now create the Mastermind Threat following the guidelines in the rulebook and your notes from this sheet. At this point, you may cease presenting new Threats. Once all active Threats are resolved, you may present the Mastermind Threat. 

After the Mastermind Threat has been resolved, select a new Mastermind to keep the story going, or end the game by asking each player to narrate a short epilogue for their character.

Servants
Tunara 
Scandalously sheer and form-fitting clothing. Impossibly long pale blue hair in a single braid. Intricate jewelled Venusian knife-bracers. 

Tunara is Gesod’s only child and presumptive heir to the throne. She currently plays the part of an obedient daughter, but her rebellious nature means she chafes under her father’s rule and looks for small ways to act out just to annoy him. Tunara will develop a romantic obsession with the hunter who possesses the Most Beloved condition. She will attempt to spare this hunter from her worst of her father’s wrath, but may also be convinced by them to betray him. 

Quote: “There is nobody like you where I’m from. I’ve had my share of consorts and suitors of course, but I always tire of them. They were beautiful, yes, but none of them had that light in your eyes. I’m sure Father will be angry with me if he finds out I have been seen with you, but that only makes it more fun. He will let me have my way eventually.” 

One-Two-Seven
Hulking brass body with exposed intricate silver cogs. Three legs. Speaks in halting sentences, always with an even number of words.

The first among Gesod’s robotic soldiers and guards. One-Two-Seven can usually be found directly at Gesod’s side, but they will occasionally be sent out to handle problems that require violence to solve. Like all robotic soldiers One-Two-Seven is incredibly strong and can shrug off great amounts of punishment, but the exposed cogs at their joints are vulnerable. They also carry a weapon resembling a crude pistol which fires lightning instead of bullets, causing horrific burns.

Quote:“I-Live-Only-To-Serve-The-Great-Majesty-Of-Gesod.
I-Will-Not-Be-Stopped-In-Executing-His-Righteous-Orders.

I-Cannot-Be-Stopped.
Nothing-You-Do-Will-Stop-Me.”


James Bartleby
Small, oiled moustache. Fashionable, well-fitted suits. Chuckles periodically regardless of mood.

Lord James Bartleby is a lesser peer and has insinuated himself as a go-between for Gesod and his interactions with British gentry and merchants. He has access to a great deal of wealth and connections which he will try to leverage against Hargrave House and anyone else who stands in the way of Gesod’s plans, hoping to be rewarded with power and status once the conquest of the United Kingdom is complete. Bartleby is a craven liar and backstabber. When pushed into a corner he will offer anything to save himself, only to renege on any bargains at an opportune moment. 

Quote: “What man wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to serve our first guests from another world in any way they can? Why I daresay that man’s name will be in the history books for sure. Some lesser than I might do so out of some, ah-heh, base desire for reward, but I am simply privileged to have such a fine and unique role to play.”

Gesod’s Court
Blue, yellow and purple robes. Conspicuous amounts of jewelry, Disdainful expression

Various members of Venusian aristocracy, courtiers and hangers on who make up Gesod’s court. While usually on ‘The Resplendent’ or at court, they can occasionally be seen in London on various errands, always flanked by a pair of robot soldiers. While prone to scheming against each other for status they are absolutely terrified of displeasing Gesod and will not do anything to betray him short of the threat of death.

Their names include: Nalkoth, Abares, Breseus, Paloom, Vineeri, Jabaxo

Quote: “And what did you say this liquid was called again? “Tea”? My, how quaint!”

Mastermind Clues
  • Crude, old drawings of a vessel resembling ‘The Resplendent’
  • A Side Character starts speaking in Venusian tongue
  • A newspaper article describing Gesod gifting Her Majesty with a royal artefact
  • Stories that a particular Earth food intoxicates Venusians
  • A charitable concern has been showered with funding in a conspicuous display by Gesod.
  • Copies of Earth religious texts translated into Venusian
  • Gossip about a private meeting between Gesod and Her Majesty, with no observers permitted
  • The hunter with Most Beloved receives a letter offering them to become Tunara’s consort/join her harem
  • A purse containing Venusian currency (miniature silver ingots depicting Gesod’s face/circular carved crystals/something else)
  • Rumours that this is not the first time the British Royal Family has hosted aliens
  • A green and purple Venusian flower growing rampant on a particular building
  • A Side Character claims to have visited Venus in their dreams
  • A dead body scorched as if by a Venusian lightning gun
  • A Venusian spice becomes all the rage in London cooking
  • Reports of Venusians spotted elsewhere in the world
  • Letters from James Bartleby negotiating purchase of real estate, offering significantly more than they are worth
  • A Venusian knife bracer found in an unexpected place
  • An alien tapestry depicting Gesod’s family tree
  • A Venusian soldier was seen punishing a servant for an odd infraction
  • Members of Gesod’s entourage have been seen purchasing bulk quantities of an unexpected commodity (coal/cattle/tulips/something else), trading with precious minerals.

The Venusian Unscenes
These unscenes work the same way as an ordinary unscene and may be introduced by the Keeper after the Third Mastermind Clue has been discovered. They are intended to be used in order, but may be used as the Keeper wishes.

Visitors Among Us
For the first few days London could not stop talking about the arrival of visitors from another world. But now a kind of normalcy has settled and tonight we see how ordinary people are coming to accept the presence of the Venusians.
  1. Paint the scene: A member of Gesod’s entourage, flanked by two robotic soldiers, walks the streets of London. Are the locals excited, curious or fearful and how do we know this?
  2. Adora is a seamstress who specialises in fashion for highborn ladies. What Venusian elements do we see her incorporating into her latest designs?
  3. Rufus and Joseph, a pair of middle-aged factory workers, spend most of their evenings sitting on the front step and discussing current events together. What do they think of the Venusian arrival?
  4. Chadwick is a writer for the tabloid The Illustrated Police News, and is working late on an article. What completely unfounded plot will he accuse the Venusians of in his piece?

Life on Venus
As night falls in London across the void of space, through thick, green clouds, day breaks on Venus. In one village, one of the countless that dot this alien planet, the residents emerge from their humble dwellings to greet another day.
  1. In poor light the figures could be mistaken for humans. What alien feature marks them as beings from another world?
  2. Paint the scene: As the villagers begin their mornings, what signs do we see showing this village is under the occupation of Gesod’s Empire?
  3. Most of these villagers toil in fields of alien wheat to provide food for the Empire. One of them is brutally punished by a robotic soldier for failing to work quickly enough. Do their fellow villagers react with open anger, or do they do their best to ignore this?
  4. As the cloud-dimmed sun begins to set, a few villagers secretly meet to engage in a local custom banned under Gesod’s rule. What is it?

A Night at the Grand Guignol: The Fall of Taraxes
Every class of people in London is represented in the audience at the Theatre Grand Guignol. They have come tonight to see a play written in honour of the visiting Venusians, a dramatisation of the conflict between Gesod and his brother Taraxes as they struggled for the throne. 
  1. Paint the Scene: As the limelights pop to life and the crimson curtain is raised, how has the scene been set to depict the landscape of Venus on the stage?
  2. Describe Act I in which Taraxes delivers an impassioned speech against Gesod to his assembled forces. In what ways does the performance go out of its way to depict this as foolish and misguided?
  3. Describe Act II in which Taraxes plan is defeated. What masterstroke does Gesod leverage against his brother, demonstrating his cunning? 
  4. Describe Act III  in which Taraxes is put to death in a public execution. Make it bloody.​
0 Comments

Gauntlet Video Roundup - October 1, 2021

10/1/2021

0 Comments

 
[Gauntlet Calendar: Online Tabletop RPG Play]
​Greetings, and welcome to the weekly Gauntlet Calendar video roundup! Enjoy these recordings of online games organized through Gauntlet Calendar 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

Airlock (Session 4)
Rich Rogers runs for Dr. Jason Cox, Jo Lene, Sabine V., and Steven Watkins
The crew of the Ember blow through the Palace of Alderaan and escape the clutches of the Sith Captain Bis!

Stars in the Dark (Session 3)
Anders runs for Marc Majcher, Mark (they/them), Matthew Doughty, and Rich Rogers
In which the crew flawlessly execute a perfectly planned operation against a drug dealer, but which I mean they get into a total mess. Bria's aunt introduces her to a sparring partner with a questionable past, Morn finds some potential recruits for his let's-not-call-it-a-cult and sees the light, Boko lets rip some heavy blaster fire, and Etema faces off with a Gigorian! Introducing Zorii Bliss, the leader of the Moon Mynocks gang, and her ever faithful Sebastien.

Rovers (Session 2)
Rich Rogers runs for Greg G., Mark (they/them), and Pawel S.
The crew of the Naboo Pilgrim race to rescue a New Republic ship stranded in Zsinj's Empire!

Gauntlet Quarterly

The Between (Session 3)
David Morrison runs for Anders, David Schultz, and Sabine V.
Hargrave House discern the Limehouse Lurker is an old vampire with mysterious powers over blood. After a losing game of cards, Trixie ventures into the sewers to sniff out the vampire's lair. Ardent heads to 18 St James' Street to investigate a haunting. And Dr. Fenworth has an encounter with the young Lord Fauconberg, out of place in Limehouse.

Tales from the Low Cantrefs (Session 5)
Jesse A. runs for Maria M., Matthew Doughty, and Puckett
Wyn's brother/Zombie returns to down. Can the situation be defused?

Gauntlet Calendar

The Yellow King RPG (Session 11&12 of 12)
Shane runs for Brandon Brylawski, Matthew Arcilla, Nicholas Timperio, and Puckett
The King Is Dead - After battling the dread Carcosan forces through four different lifetimes, the characters finally discover the true identity of the King In Yellow, and learn who wrote the terrible play from which he draws his power.

Hearts of Wulin: Wedding of Starlight and Mirrors
Lowell Francis runs for Alun R., David Morrison, Lyra, and Sherri
Winds, schemes, and passions draw our heroes to a wedding where betrayals will reveal secrets and allow others a path to redemption.

Masks: A New Generation: Year One (Session 7)
Lowell Francis runs for Brandon Brylawski, Chris, Greg Fulford, Jo Lene, and Jon Grim
Before they walk into Loki's trap, the group tries to come to terms with themselves and each other, but will they be ready for a battle which will test family and friendship?

Paragon System: Rising Tide (Sessions 1-3)
Dan Brown runs for Harry Coins, Mark, Matthew Arcilla, and Shane
Rising Tide, the Paragon play set about direct action ecoactivism. This campaign has been full of action, tension, and moral uncertainty.

Godbound: Pillars of Heaven (Session 12)
Lowell Francis runs for Dan Brown, Patrick Knowles, Sherri, and Tyler Lominack
The pantheon digs into the secrets of the Temples of Elemental Evil and face down echoes of their corrupting power-- and in shattering one of them, they reveal a path to new wonders.

Gauntlet Reading Club

CosmoKnights/Thirsty Sword Lesbians
Steven S. runs for David Morrison, Lyra, and Puckett
The Gauntlet Reading Club's run of Thirsty Sword Lesbians inspired by Hannah Templer's CosmoKnights. We discuss the book in the first video, followed by character and world-building in the second. Play opens in the third with retired CosmoKnight Jack Razor offering Trace Soto an interesting job involving House Stone. Self-aware (and very famous) AI 5014 finds themself volunteered for the joust and mechanic/escaped princess K discovers surprising news about her sister's whereabouts. Someone might fall into a volcano, but at least you'll find out how CosmoKnights pee in their armor before that happens.

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, or catch one of our Gauntlet Community Open Gaming online mini-conventions.

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

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!
0 Comments

    Categories

    All
    Actual Play
    Adventure Starters
    Age Of Ravens
    Community Hacks
    Design Diaries
    Dungeon World
    Events
    FitD
    G+ Archives
    GMing Advice
    Monsterhearts
    PbtA
    Photo Galleries
    Podcast Transcripts
    Session Report
    Signal Boost
    Slack Chats
    Slack Spotlights
    Urban Shadows
    Video Roundup
    WoDu

    Archives

    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

    RSS Feed

Picture

Services

Service One
Service Two
Service Three

Support

Contact
FAQ
Terms of Use
© COPYRIGHT 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Projects
    • Games >
      • Brindlewood Bay
      • The Between
      • Public Access
      • The Silt Verses Roleplaying Game
      • Trophy RPG
    • Podcasts >
      • Fear of a Black Dragon
      • The Darkened Threshold
  • Community
    • Join our Discord
    • Support us on Patreon
    • Follow our Social Media >
      • Bluesky
      • Twitter
  • Contact Us
  • Double Feature Writing Contest