Synopsis
Variant Rules is a game development and actual play RPG podcast set out to develop the Arcane & Iron tabletop RPG system through storytelling, community feedback and mechanics discussions. We test the mechanics of a brand new system and tinker with game design by the best method possible: play. We release two different types of episodes biweekly on Wednesdays: a core actual play episode featuring the campaign’s storyline, players and their characters, and The Forge companion episodes, where we discuss the system and how to play it with the game’s designer and its players.
Episodes
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Inday, A Character Study
11/11/2020 Duration: 29minSpotlight on your friendly neighborhood Inday. Special guest Noy illuminates her decision to build Inday and shape her character with such flavor.
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Selflessness & Self-Discovery
28/10/2020 Duration: 24minInday begins to explore the culture and the needs of Montepec following their occupation by the Empire.
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The Forge: Building Blocks
14/10/2020 Duration: 27minSometimes being a DM/GM/Storyteller is hard. What can you or your players do to share the load? Try out the new story building mechanic designed by Brandon Raab, creator of Arcane & Iron.
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Gastronomy & Aviation
01/10/2020 Duration: 21minBirch finds his place among the people of Montepec through good food and conversation. But what happens when Brassley clearly wants to go on a journey?
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The Forge: Birch, A Character Study
16/09/2020 Duration: 26minThis week our illustrious Alex Sanchez joins us to discuss his experience playing Arcane and Iron and his fabled character Birch.
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Exchanges & Enchantments
03/09/2020 Duration: 38minKit and Josephine explore Montepec in the weeks following the battle with Violet. Both are in for new experiences as they encounter forces they have not before.
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Artificer & Army
20/08/2020 Duration: 24minJosephine finds herself with dozens of soldiers at her command while the rest of the party has a long overdue discussion with Gus.
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The Forge: Healing Burns
05/08/2020 Duration: 32minHow do you make health relevant in a narrative system? Can healing be accessible to all?
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Reconnaissance & Recovery
22/07/2020 Duration: 36minViolet is in retreat and our heroes look to a newly secured Montepec.
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Hostiles & Homestead
09/07/2020 Duration: 40minThis week Josephine takes charge, Inday supports everyone, Serafin works to save his father, Kit faces off against his sister, and Birch tries to control a large bird. Plus, a special guest!
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Family & Feuds
26/06/2020 Duration: 38minNo family is without its complications. With Serafin's father held behind bars by Kit's sister, Princess Valentine, how will our heroes navigate this awkward family reunion?
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Confessions and Confrontations
11/06/2020 Duration: 35minThis week our heroes continue to receive visits from the Dealmaker, Rys. Will anyone accept the tempting offers? Please consider donating to the following #BlackLivesMatter funds if you are able to: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/where-to-donate-for-black-lives-matter.html
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Vanishing and Visions
27/05/2020 Duration: 39minOur heroes steel themselves to face a threat they know not the scope of to save Serafin's village of Montepec. What will they find and what will stand in their way?
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Flames and Flight
13/05/2020 Duration: 30minThe Kutar are marching towards our heroes and the Ancient One they are trying to protect. Will they find a way to escape and preserve this entity? Or are they trapped inside a living mountain without time to escape?
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Terror & Tea
01/05/2020 Duration: 33minCan our heroes make it through a city under siege to the Undying One they need to speak to? What dangers will they face and can chamomile tea save them all?
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Bridges & Barricades
15/04/2020 Duration: 36minOur heroes face a siege that may overtake a city that potentially contains a crucial piece of the puzzle of the Eloi. Will they find what they need or are they needlessly headed into danger?
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Stealth & Steppes
01/04/2020 Duration: 47minOur heroes depart the morning after a savage attack from the Kutar. They head towards Montepec and the troubles that they have foreseen, but what lies ahead of them?
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Gossiping & Guarding
19/03/2020 Duration: 44minWill the heroes make it to Kutar'tai? What happened to the camp they passed the previous day?
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Odysseys & Omens
11/03/2020 Duration: 52minListen as Birch extorts Inday for snacks post-prayer and our heroes learn of more danger that lies ahead.
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The Forge: Apprentice to Master
04/03/2020 Duration: 01h51sJoin Emma, Ben, and Brandon as they discuss character progression and leveling throughout a myriad of RPGs and Arcane & Iron.