Hellbent - A Weird West Actual Play

It's been a bit, but production is trucking along. Episode 1 has locked, and episode 2 editing is midway through! Hang tight, we're coming!

Hellbent was built using the Year Zero Engine from #FreeLeague and as such has a ton of flexibility. It's an exciting system and one that gave us a lot of room to explore all sorts of interactions knowing we had a comfort blanket of mechanics to back it all up. I'm so excited to share the show soon!

OK, now that the shoot is in the can, what's next? I'm glad you asked! Editing has begun and for a show meant to be both entertaining AND accessible (the two are not mutually exclusive!) that means a lot of backend work. Help the process and keep us going by donating today! store.savingthrowshow.com

I've been thinking how audiences come to TTRPGs via Actual Plays (or not). It's been a big factor in how I've prepped Hellbent. I can't help shaking the feeling that a lot of us are running shows that cater to people who are already predisposed to the world/lingo of TTRPGs which can hinder newbies.

Here's an interesting question for people who like APs. Do you watch/listen to the session 0 if provided? Do you do so first before getting into the episodes, or do you like to dig in retroactively?

Hey look at this cool thing that's happening. If you find you can't travel to PAX U, this con is run by some cool people (and me)

LAST CALL for Huckleberry! There's less than 12 hours left in the campaign! If you wanna snag an awesome TTRPG and some slick playing cards, you better saddle up. backerkit.huckleberryrpg.com

The DM is a player. If I’m not having fun, what’s the fucking point?

Final 72 hours!! We've unlocked new scenarios, a whole new chapter, new player options, a ton of new monsters, and more! We've still got two more stretch goals to hit. Saddle up and join us for the ride, pardner!

It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Month - and the government once again, has failed to keep its word to us. Consider donating food, money, sanitary supplies to your local tribes’ food bank 🧡 a quick Google search can show you who’s land you’re on!

Happy Halloween from all of us here at Hellbent & Saving Throw!  In Hellbent, the undead are just one faction that is ever-present on the frontier. It takes a hardy bunch to combat the forces of evil. Help us outfit this posse (and beyond) by pitching in https://store.savingthrowshow.com.

What's up? Here we go!

To twisted men, he's a gift. To broken hearts, a saint. He scraped by in the underground, purging Corruption from those who suffered its effects. He’s seen the way of magic - how it saunters in, sets up shop, and simply asks you to pay prices you cannot fathom. Their debt is now Zeyvah's burden.

Mei's a demonologist & anthropologist who seeks knowledge above all else. She wears a small vial of blood around her neck & several scars on her body - effects of Corruptive magic. Her journey has come to this - uncovering the truth about the House of Yhargoth and how they’re involved with her past.

Vincent's a preacher's son, but for the last 20 years he's been a hunter. He hunts the worst things the Corruption leaves behind. Lately business has been booming. He's after one monster in particular, forever haunted by the ghosts left in its wake. He won't stop until he sees it put down.

@br00taldan.bsky.social is a games marketer by day and the internet’s emotional support himbo by night. Spreading joy, the love of play and building community is the name of the game. Learn more about the cast and the show while becoming a sustaining backer at https://store.savingthrowshow.com!

Marceline is a performer and audio engineer from Missouri. They are one of the primary cast of @talesyettold.com , an award-winning actual play. They focus on exploring narratives that humanize the thinking of the strange and outcast.

@bananachangames.bsky.social  is a game designer and screenwriter living in Seattle. She has worked on a number of TTRPG materials, including Forgery, Jiangshi: Blood in the Banquet Hall & more. They won Dicebreaker Awards' Game Designer of the Year 2022 and 2 Silver ENnie Awards in 2022.

@kyletown.bsky.social is an actor, singer, & improviser from the Seattle area. He is a company member at @jetcityimprov.bsky.social , and part of the cast of We Have Some Notes musical improv. Kyle's a gamer, and a big fan of TTRPGs. He's stoked to dive into Hellbent and play with this amazing team!

Welcome to the Hellbent Dispatch! We're adapting Year Zero Engine from #FreeLeague! We also officially welcome our new GM @thatbronzegirl.bsky.social  of Critical Role, Dimension20, & DesiQuest fame! Help us build a truly independent show right here in Seattle! https://store.savingthrowshow.com

Just one more day. The wait is nearly over! This week we'll be introducing the cast, and talking a bit more of Hellbent. Want to learn things first BEFORE anybody else? Consider becoming a sustaining backer in our Exploration Society! https://store.savingthrowshow.com

Stay tuned this Monday for the first reveal. System drop incoming! Plus meet our gamemaster - we think you're gonna like 'em. ;) Support the show through one-off tips or monthly pledges at https://store.savingthrowshow.com!

This Monday all Hell breaks loose. Join the Society and help Hellbent come to life. Join by Monday and be entered into a prize giveaway! https://store.savingthrowshow.com

I'll be at PAX West tomorrow and Saturday. My mask will be on, but if you can find me I may have a little treat for ya. Can't wait to see you there!