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
-
Traveling & Talking
26/02/2020 Duration: 01h03minOur heroes depart from the Lyceum to search out a race that may know more of the danger that lies ahead...
-
Lyceums & Lytasteums
19/02/2020 Duration: 44minTheir pancake map has led them closer to the Lyceum, and now our heroes must discover all they can from the tomes within. Will they be able to find anything?
-
Variant Rules: Problems & Pancakes
06/02/2020 Duration: 50minIt seems our heroes have some (personal?) problem(s!) to face. Will Birch reconcile with Hurain? Will Josephine figure out why her betrothed is suddenly her horse? And will the group find out how to leave this mountain?
-
Mountains & Madness
23/01/2020 Duration: 55minOur heroes enraged the ancient race they had sought out for more information. They must leave and face the road ahead, but the mountain itself seems to fight against them.
-
Thieves & Heroes
16/01/2020 Duration: 40minOur heroes try to find out more from these ancient beings about the planes colliding, while everything around them begins to crumble.
-
Capers & Conversations
13/01/2020 Duration: 47minOur heroes enter the home of the Eilings after everyone (but Kit) has taken a vow to preserve their secrets. Will they learn more from this ancient race about the threat that faces the realm or be forced to search elsewhere?
-
Flurries & Farewells
01/01/2020 Duration: 36minThe winds are shifting and our snow creatures are dwindling in their magic. Do they have enough to finish helping their creators before they turn back to pure snow? Guest Storyteller: Chris Van Houten Special Guests: Addie Gia & Tommy Cottin
-
Bunnies & Darkness
18/12/2019 Duration: 41minThe terrifying alien ice bunnies are approaching the lollipop fence as our snow heroes have readied for battle. Can they defend their humans and Earth from this threat, and at what cost? Join us this week for the next part of our Winter Arc. Guest Storyteller: Chris Van Houten Guest Players: Addie Gia and Tommy Cottin
-
Flurries & Blizzards
11/12/2019 Duration: 48minMagical snow creatures are crafted when the wind blows from the Up, carrying with it magic and wonder. But are all things crafted with wonder wonderful? Guest storyteller Chris Van Houten Special Guests Addie Gia and Tommy Cottin of Waypoint Live and the (former) Essential NPCs Podcast fame!
-
The Forge: Ice, Ice Baby
04/12/2019 Duration: 54minJoin us this week as we establish a world and create characters for a winter mini-series with guest storyteller Chris Van Houten. Ben, Brandon, and Emma will be at the table joined by Addie Gia and Tommy Cottin of Waypoint Live and the (former) Essential NPCs Podcast fame!
-
Compromises & Negotiations
20/11/2019 Duration: 30minOur heroes have found their way up the mountain, but what information will they find inside? What will they have to sacrifice to get it?
-
The Forge: Traveling Artisan
13/11/2019 Duration: 44minArcane & Iron went on the road to GenCon, and we're just now getting around to telling you about it. Listen to Emma, Ben, and Brandon discuss their experience preparing for and participating in the Playtest Hall at GenCon.
-
Shopping & Skittering
08/11/2019 Duration: 01h03minOur heroes shop, almost drop, and try to find out more about what threatens their world.
-
The Forge: Campfire Talk
29/10/2019 Duration: 51minEvery solid adventuring party has a face, a bard, a charlatan of some kind. What achievements in the Arcane & Iron can your social character take advantage of?
-
Bluffs & Bargains
23/10/2019 Duration: 54minOur heroes face the edge of a steep crater, but do they also face the edge of their known universe? Tune in to find out!
-
The Forge: The Time to Strike
16/10/2019 Duration: 38minIt takes technical acumen to know when is the opportune moment. What technical achievements can be used to aid characters in the Arcane & Iron system. Listen to this episode with special guest Alex Sanchez to find out more!
-
Watching & Winding
09/10/2019 Duration: 35minAfter narrowly escaping a Kraken crushing the ship our heroes were attempting to commandeer, they found themselves escaping through portals that led them through a large clock. How and why did this happen, and what does it mean?
-
The Forge: Sparks Fly
02/10/2019 Duration: 37minMagic adds that little touch of spark to any world. Listen in this week with special guest Noy Sasis as she talks with us about Magical Achievements in the Arcane & Iron system.
-
Tick & Tock
26/09/2019 Duration: 41minTiming is everything. Can our heroes find the right window to escape this predicament? Even if they can, what's on the other side of the window?
-
The Forge: Sheer Force
18/09/2019 Duration: 31minThis week we are back behind the proverbial screen as Andrew and Emma berate Brandon with questions about physical achievements in Arcane & Iron.