Midnight Express

Josh Heath of High Level Games joins the show to find out if the Red Talons are right, and humanity needs to be purged.  Refining their resumes, Josh and BK start hunting around the business world of Pentex and the subsidiaries from the book of the same name. From King Breweries, to Magadon, to Avalon Toys, the duo not only disassemble the business practices that make these companies so effective, but also pose potential story ideas for your chronicles.  Whilst the phrase 'the Litany says I get to kill everyone' is used at least once, most of the ideas are pitched at creating tension and deeper exploration of corruption in Werewolf: the Apocalypse. We also discuss Josh's contributions to The Storyteller's Vault (check them out and support a fellow listener), and revisit some of the price point discussions from a previous episode.  If you want to see a group playing one of his modules, look no further. Lastly, check out the High Levels Games Convention that will be happening later this year. You can support the show by picking up your copies of Drivethrurpg books using our affiliate links (below), providing some feedback or a rating via iTunes, and joining a broader community of oWoD fans over the forum. Subsidiaries: A Guide to Pentex See you soon, we have at least one Wraith episode, and a few on Storytelling, and Chronicle Design in the works! Hosts: BK & Josh   

By Crom! No, it’s not a long-lost Conan story, but rather BK and Wendell-Burke’s foray into the Hem-ka-Sobk.  Donning their fedoras, the pair delve into the darkest secrets and archaeological past of those who would eat your liver (without fava beans and a nice chianti), exploring the themes of redemption, whilst circling back to the question ‘how dark is your World of Darkness?’ First covered in The Book of Crafts, these sinners-turned-cultists seem like a disconnected and odd addition to your oWoD games – until your hosts start connecting the dots across sourcebooks such as Rage Across Egypt, Chaining the Beast, Mummy Second Edition, and Bastet, and adding a dash of real-world history.  The episode rounds out with some plot ideas including the Hem-ka-Sobk, an maybe even alternate methods for PC members of the crocodile cult. You can get your own copy of The Book of Crafts from our friends at Drivethrurpg, and support the show.  Hosts: BK and Wendell_Burke                  

Returning for a secnd episode, Frozen Fallout gets comfy onboard the Midnight Express to share insights gleaned from the recent successful GenCon event 'Madison Under Seige'. As BK enjoys a cup of Earl Grey, Josh provides advce covering: Secrets as part of a character's 'beginning equipment'  Motivating players to stay 'in character' at the table (and in the LARP) Pacing your story and planning for low energy or player fatigue The qualities of a good Storyteller (for both LARP, and table-top), and What to do if your game should be labelled 'CAUTION: Story frequently sideways' The duo then turn their collective attention on the Storyteller's Vault, discussing considerations for new authors (especially relating to price points, and how we value free content), and then finish up with a brief overview of the latest titles for release at Drivethrurpg. Drop by the forum, the Facebook page, or send an email to midnightexpresspodcast@gmail.com to contact the hosts. Josh has shared the Madison Under Seige Wrap-Up Video, Madison Under Seige Facebook Community, and the Public Game Files.  He can be contacted directly via Frozen.Fallout@gmail.com.  The titles mentioned in Episode 36 (and available from Drivethrurpg via the affiliate links below) were: Changeling:Changeling: 20th Anniversary Edition  Yours to keep (C20 Jump start)  Dark AgesLegacy of Lies (V20 Dark Ages Jump Start)  M20M20: the art of Mage M20 Cookbook  Now in Print! Wraith: the Oblivion First Edition (in hardcover), and Mage: the Ascension Second Edition.   If you haven't already listened to 25 Years of Vampire: the Masquerade: A Retrospective then you need to follow the link and start (once you've finished our episode of course). See you very soon for an episode that pits our hosts Again

Whilst a new episode has been long overdue, illness has stalked some of the Midnight Express crew.  What better way to head back into a release schedule than an episode looking at vampire health?   Casting back to 1994, this episode draws on two White Wolf Magazine articles; from issues 39 and 44 (you'll find some links below if you'd like to purchase copies through Drivethrurpg).  The first covers a condition known as Schere's Disease and the possibilities for your chronicle, whilst the second complementary article explores the C-Factor, that mysterious serum at the heart of vampiric vitae. Make sure that you drop by our Facebook page, the forum, or send an email (via midnightexpresspodcast@gmail.com) with your ideas, or to suggest other sources of inspiration for this episode. In the meantime, you can purchase Issue 39, and Issue 44 from Drivethrurpg (these are affiliate links that help out the podcast).  Stay tuned for new episodes in the very near future. Host: BK

It's a TARP!  BK and long-time listener Josh join forces to discuss LARPing (live action role-playing) and TARPing (tabletop games that incorporate LARP elements) for the old World of Darkness.  Josh is the Lead Storyteller for Madison Under Siege, a GenCon TARP event that has grown to incorporate not just Vampire, but also Werewolf, Mage, and Hunter - all at one venue. They discuss LARPing from the GenCon and Camarilla perspectives, with a focus on storytelling, making new players feel welcome, and the types of activities that make LARPing a great experience.   Drop by our Forum, the podcast Facebook page, and remember to leave an iTunes review.   The next episode will return to the White Wolf Magazine archive with a medical plot hook for Vampire. Madison Under Siege uses a collaborative and open development, so Josh has shared links for listeners who would like to find out more. Email Josh directly: Frozen.Fallout@gmail.com The Madison Under Siege Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/MadisonUnderSiege/ Public Files: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2iodXfkdKiIWFJXNFdnQmt0Qm8   Hosts: BK & Josh  

Holy Paradox Batman! The Dynamic Duo of Mark and BK unearth the secrets of those few chosen (or blackmailed, or compelled) to join the Ascension War as the Right Hand of Mages.  They poke into the practices of the Traditions, Marauders, and even Nephandi to see how Custos are treated and portrayed in the World of Darkness.  Ideas for Custos-only games are discussed, as well as thematic considerations for cross-over games with Mage.   Despite Mark's recently unrepentant dalliance with TORG, he offers the expected high-quality and incisive commentary on the last book published for Mage First Edition.   Please note: Neither BK nor Mark are responsible for and outcomes resulting from the combination of this book and The Chaos Factor.  Do so at your own risk.   Join us via the Forum, Facebook, or email us at midnightexpresspodcast@gmail.com.   Episode 34 will feature the frequently-requested topic of LARPing, as a listener joins BK in the recording carriage.   Hosts: BK, and Mark. 

BK and Pete don their pinstripe suits and go to the mattresses to review World of Darkness: Mafia.  These Good Fellas discuss the themes of a good Mafia game, draw similarities between organised crime and the Masquerade, and consider whether the supernatural has any place in a setting like this. In between chronicle ideas, you'll find a list of great movies, documentaries, and books as inspiration for Mafia-inspired stories, and some suggested old World of Darkness books to accompany this title. Congratulations to Diesel_Van84 who won the first Midnight Express Story Seed Competition and recieves a voucher for Drivethrurpg. You can add any information to the V5 forum thread here. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues or Stewart Wieck as we pause to pay our own respects.  Stewart's work inspired many a good tale and fired the imagination - his legacy of purple books will not easily fade. The show notes links are (as promised) ready to rival the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings, so here we go: Podcasts Check our Affiliates, Blogs, and other Podcasts page.  Gaming Books (please use the affiliate links to support the show) Ascension's Right Hand, The Risen, Killing Streets, Project Twilight, Unknown Armies, Trail of Cthulhu, W20 Cookbook. Movies & Documentaries The Godfather, Good Fellas, The Sopranos, Gangs of New York, The Untouchables, The Departed, Casino, Cocaine Cowboys (by Billy Corben). Other books The Power of the Dog, The Cartel, Chasing the Scream, Donnie Brasco.  See you in thirty! Hosts: BK & Pete          

No, it's not the latest Onyx Path Kickstarter, but rather an in-depth discussion about White Wolf's three card games by BK and Beckett.   The show opens with some discussion about The Silver Crown, The Song of Unmaking, and Changeling 20th Anniversary Edition (use the embedded links if you want to buy these; every purchase helps the show).  BK sheds some light on a fantastic new podcast 'Walking Away From Arcadia'. Beckett interrogates BK about the nature of each card game, the links to the RPG lines, and some tips for those wanting to explore the games further. You can find the accompanying strategy guides for each game at Drivethrurpg (Vampire: the Eternal Struggle, and Rage).  Join us next month for another White Wolf Magazine episode, with more Mage goodness in the works (and a special guest planned). Hosts: BK and Beckett. 

As the thirtieth episode rolls out, Beckett and BK are swept away in the swirling morass that can only be metaplot. The dynamic duo discuss the role of metaplot in RPGs, and the oWoD in particular, offering their views on the successful narratives. They close out by considering two aspects of metaplot from Vampire and Werewolf, with some alternate approaches to Assamites, Tremere, Stargazers, Ratkin, and Gurahl. Sadly there are no Hitchcock cameos in this episode. Remember that we're running the first Midnight Express Competition [http://themidnightexpresspodcast.gamerz.co/topic368.html for details] and $20.00 to spend with our friends at Drivethrurpg could be yours! You have until May 6th to be in the running. Drop by the forum: http://themidnightexpresspodcast.gamerz.co/  Email us: midnightexpresspodcast@gmail.com  Midnight Express on the Book of Faces (A Podcast Needs A Name): https://www.facebook.com/chip.fizzlewig  Hosts: BK and Beckett.

In the latest Shard, Darling_Rose and BK find Big Trouble in the shape of the the Jade Demon (aka Lo Pan) from The Book of Chantries.  They discuss the history of the Jade Dragon, and how to use this Nephandi and his minions for Mage (with some ideas for Kindred of the East, Vampire, and Werewolf for good measure).   The recommended books for this Shard are The Book of Chantries, The Book of Madness, The Thousand Hells, and The Book of Crafts.  Remember that any titles purchased through our affiliate links help out the show. The message boards mentioned by Darling_Rose can be found here and here.  You'll also find the links over at the Forum post for this episode. As usual, drop by the Forum, the Facebook page, or send us an email via midnightexpresspodcast@gmail.com.  Listener feedback is always appreciated, and we do acknowledge it on the air. Next time, Pete and I suit up as wartime Consigliere to review a World of Darkness title and announce the first of our ongoing competitions - oWoD source books could be yours! Hosts: BK and Darling_Rose.

In the latest Shard, Darling_Rose and BK find Big Trouble in the shape of the the Jade Demon (aka Lo Pan) from The Book of Chantries.  They discuss the history of the Jade Dragon, and how to use this Nephandi and his minions for Mage (with some ideas for Kindred of the East, Vampire, and Werewolf for good measure).   The recommended books for this Shard are The Book of Chantries, The Book of Madness, The Thousand Hells, and The Book of Crafts.  Remember that any titles purchased through our affiliate links help out the show. The message boards mentioned by Darling_Rose can be found here and here.  You'll also find the links over at the Forum post for this episode. As usual, drop by the Forum, the Facebook page, or send us an email via midnightexpresspodcast@gmail.com.  Listener feedback is always appreciated, and we do acknowledge it on the air. Next time, Pete and I suit up as wartime Consigliere to review a World of Darkness title and announce the first of our ongoing competitions - oWoD source books could be yours! Hosts: BK and Darling_Rose.    

BK and Wendell_Burke step onto the mean streets of the World of Darkness to explore notions of darkness in storytelling, hiding the supernatural, and the role of consequence.   This is the first in a series throughout 2017 to examine what the key concepts in the oWoD are, and how to evoke them at the table. If you have any ideas for the list, post them over at the forum, email them to midnightexpresspodcast@gmail.com, or post on the Facebook page. See you all in two weeks for Episode 29, featuring a new Shard of Darkness! Hosts: BK & Wendell_Burke 

BK and Wendell_Burke step onto the mean streets of the World of Darkness to explore notions of darkness in storytelling, hiding the supernatural, and the role of consequence.  This is the first in a series throughout 2017 to examine what the key concepts in the oWoD are, and how to evoke them at the table. If you have any ideas for the list, post them over at the forum, email them to midnightexpresspodcast@gmail.com, or post onthe Facebook page. See you all in two weeks for Episode 29, featuring a new Shard of Darkness! Hosts: BK & Wendell_Burke 

In this second solo episode, BK focuses on one article in White Wolf Magazine #40 - namely one on Blood Cults for Vampire: the Masquerade. He breaks the article down, offers advice and background for creating cults in your own Vampire games, and discusses the motivations of would-be cultists to make it more challenging for your players.   As the community continues to rub off on him, there is even mention of cross-over games in this episode (without prompting). If you'd like your own copy of this article, please visit our friends at Drivethrurpg using this link (every purchase helps the show). As always, drop by the Forum, or our Facebook page to interact with the community, or send your emails to midnightexpresspodcast@gmail.com. Host: BK  

In this second solo episode, BK focuses on one article in White Wolf Magazine #40 - namely one on Blood Cults for Vampire: the Masquerade. He breaks the article down, offers advice and background for creating cults in your own Vampire games, and discusses the motivations of would-be cultists to make it more challenging for your players.  As the community continues to rub off on him, there is even mention of cross-over games in this episode (without prompting).   If you'd like your own copy of this article, please visit our friends at Drivethrurpg using this link (every purchase helps the show).   As always, drop by the Forum, or our Facebook page to interact with the community, or send your emails to midnightexpresspodcast@gmail.com.   Host: BK