Games in The Dark

We discuss the conclusion to this campaign and what comes next. Get ready for a cyber-filled future!

The finale of our Fallout campaign ends with a bang as we enter the institute lair and continue our usual strategy of shoot first, ask questions later. However, as we continue, secrets are revealed, suspicion mounts, and irrevocable action is taken. Will we all come out of this alive? Listen in to find out!If you enjoyed this series, be sure to let us know! Visit gamesinthedark.com and join our discord!

The Rat Raiders hit the next tier, and spend some time choosing their intermediate professions in the Zweihander system. Once leveled and ready, we pick back up with the strange infestation of wormlike creatures in the mines, and encounter other strange denizens that are out of place, and out of time. The crew suffers with a moral conundrum as they wrestle with contending player versus character knowledge.

Welcome to Games In The Dark as we begin our Fallout 2D20 tabletop RPG campaign set in the Appalachian wasteland.Our journey towards the signal continues as our group continues to trudge through the Appalachian wasteland where we meet some of the wasteland strange creatures and some friendly folks whom we make a very bittersweet trade that will come in handy later on. We are using the official Fallout 2D20 system by Modiphius and running it inside TaleSpire for tactical combat and cinematic roleplay.If you enjoy Fallout lore, tabletop RPG actual play, DnD style campaigns, post apocalyptic storytelling, or gritty character driven chaos, this series is for you.Subscribe for weekly episodes and follow the story from the beginning.

Here we discuss the aftermath of Shadowdark's Episode 4, among other topics that are in no way related to the episode. Enjoy!

Bon and Zaf are settling in among the Hawk Bandits while Ire deals with an illness. The dwarven brothers accompany Kadim on a raid that will gauge the group's tactics and loyalties, but things don’t go to plan and lives are put in jeopardy. There’s no shortage of excitement as the bandits face incursions on their very doorstep as well.

In this After Dark discussion, we break down the chaos of Session 3 as the group finds themselves trapped in a cave during a brutal sandstorm. What starts as a moment to regroup quickly turns into a series of unexpected encounters that shift the tone of the entire session.We talk through the decisions behind trusting a deal that clearly feels off, the tension of being stuck with nowhere to go, and how each character handled the pressure in their own way. Was it a smart gamble or the beginning of a disaster?We also get into behind-the-scenes thoughts, player reactions, and where things might be heading next now that the group has willingly stepped straight into danger.If you thought the session was tense, this is where we unpack why.

Our actual third episode was lost, so here’s the description from that session:With Ire in tow, Zaf reunites with his brother Bon. With a sandstorm quickly approaching the trio digs into a crevice for shelter, and they discover a curious opening among the rocks. Entering cautiously, they begin to delve into a small shrine and navigate the defenses within. What better way to wait out a storm of sands than with a miniature dungeon crawl?Leap of Faith:This canonical third session picks up with our trio of crawlers hemmed into a cave due to a passing sand storm. While waiting out the storm, the group is visited by multiple surprise guests - some more welcome than others. Betting on an offer that is almost certainly too good to be true, the group reaches a bargain that will put them directly in the viper’s nest.

Things got weird fast.In this After Dark discussion, the crew breaks down one of the most unhinged starts to a campaign we’ve had yet. From celebrating victory in the worst possible way to handing a literal child a switchblade, we talk through the decisions, the chaos, and whether this group has any kind of moral compass at all.Are these characters anti-heroes, villains, or just completely off the rails? We dig into player intentions, character dynamics, and how quickly things escalated once the group hit the Appalachian wasteland.We also get into how Fallout 2D20 feels in play so far, how TaleSpire is shaping the experience, and what might be coming next as the group follows the signal and continues making absolutely terrible first impressions.If you like behind the scenes discussion, character analysis, and a little bit of “what the hell are we doing,” this is the episode for you.Follow along with Games In The Dark and catch the main episode to see how it all played out.

Welcome to Games In The Dark as we begin our Fallout 2D20 tabletop RPG campaign set in the Appalachian wasteland.The group quickly celebrates their victory against Jessie Pettigrew through uncalled-for insults towards the residents and by giving an orphan a switchblade. When the group finally finishes up their “celebrations” and preparations and head towards the signal, it doesn’t take long for them to harass the local populace. It is our group heroes? Villains? Anti-Heroes? Or just straight up psychopaths? Keep listening to hear how the story unfolds. We are using the official Fallout 2D20 system by Modiphius and running it inside TaleSpire for tactical combat and cinematic roleplay.If you enjoy Fallout lore, tabletop RPG actual play, DnD style campaigns, post apocalyptic storytelling, or gritty character driven chaos, this series is for you.Subscribe for weekly episodes and follow the story from the beginning.

Welcome to Games in the Dark: After Dark, where we break down everything that just happened in Episode 2 of our Shadowdark campaign.The arena fight did not go how anyone expected.From chaotic decisions and brutal betrayals to that ending… yeah, we had to talk about it. We dive into player choices, what was going through our heads in the moment, and how things completely spiraled once the gauntlet began.We also talk about character moments, the mechanics behind the madness, and what this means going forward in the campaign.If you enjoy behind-the-scenes discussions, tabletop RPG chaos, and hearing how players react after everything goes wrong, this is for you.

Welcome back to Games in the Dark as we continue our Shadowdark journey in Episode 2.This week, the gauntlet returns, but this time the stakes are higher. Thrown into a brutal desert arena, a group of enslaved fighters are given a single chance at freedom: land the killing blow on a disgraced gladiator known as Ramir the Lion.What follows is chaos, betrayal, and blood in the sand.Alliances crumble as quickly as they form. Survival becomes a gamble. And one fighter rises above the rest, only to discover that freedom might not mean what it seems.A prophecy is spoken.A champion is crowned.And something far darker begins to unfold.Welcome to the arena.

After the chaos in Land O’Smiles, the crew breaks character to unpack everything that just went down. From the reveal of Mayor Jessie Pettigrew as a synth to the brutal ambush that followed, we dive into the decisions, dice rolls, and near-misses that shaped the fight.We talk strategy, what went right, what went very wrong, and how close certain characters came to not walking away at all. There’s also some behind-the-scenes insight into how the Fallout 2D20 system handled the encounter, how TaleSpire played into the experience, and what might’ve changed if just a few rolls went differently.Expect theories, reactions, a bit of chaos, and some honest takes on where the story might go next in the Appalachian wasteland.

Welcome to Games In The Dark as we begin our Fallout 2D20 tabletop RPG campaign set in the Appalachian wasteland.The pieces fall together as our group discovers that Mayor Jessie Pettigrew is a synth and is responsible for the town's ailments.The showdown begins as our group is ambushed by Jessie and his fellow synths. Blood, lasers and a lot of luck is thrown out in this clash to determine the fate of the Land O’SmilesWe are using the official Fallout 2D20 system by Modiphius and running it inside TaleSpire for tactical combat and cinematic roleplay.If you enjoy Fallout lore, tabletop RPG actual play, DnD style campaigns, post apocalyptic storytelling, or gritty character driven chaos, this series is for you.Subscribe for weekly episodes and follow the story from the beginning.

Go beyond the gauntlet in this ShadowDark After Dark episode, where we break down everything that happened in the brutal Ras-Godai trial.This is the full spoiler-filled debrief of our Level 0 funnel episode, analyzing every decision, every death, and every mistake that led to survival or total annihilation. If you watched the main episode, this is where we unpack the chaos.We dive deep into:Why certain players survived the gauntletThe deadliest encounters and how they played outStrategy breakdowns and missed opportunitiesLessons learned for ShadowDark RPG playersBehind-the-scenes decisions and table talkIf you’re running ShadowDark or love OSR-style brutal gameplay, this breakdown will give you insight into how deadly funnels really play out and how to survive them.⚠️ Full spoilers for Episode 1 of Games In The Dark

The Ras-Godai are a legendary group of desert-dwelling assassins who train from a young age to deal death. Fabled among the dunes and oases that dot The Djurum, the Ras-Godai test their young apprentices in a grueling and bloody gauntlet to see who is worthy to become a full-fledged assassin and journey out into the greater world. Our players begin their journey in ShadowDark by entering this gauntlet with a troupe of Level 0 characters and seeing if they can make it out alive. Keep tally of all the aspirants who meet a bloody end in this episode of Games in the Dark.

After the chaos of Fallout RPG Episode 2, the crew from Games in the Dark sits down for the After Dark discussion. We break down the moments that led to us accidentally creating an orphan, talk through character decisions, laugh at the ridiculous situations we got ourselves into, and share some behind the scenes thoughts from the session.If you enjoy Fallout tabletop RPG gameplay, actual play podcasts, tabletop storytelling, and chaotic party decisions, this is where we unpack it all.Expect jokes, reflections, and a few “what were we thinking?” moments as we look back at Episode 2.

Last session we kicked down a farmer’s door looking for answers.This session we realized he had a kid.After a messy encounter with a ghoul, the crew finds themselves responsible for Molly, a confused little girl who suddenly has a lot fewer parents. While trying to figure out what actually happened at the farm, the group starts uncovering something much stranger going on in the settlement. Missing bodies, strange headaches, and a mysterious signal coming from the town generator all point to a bigger problem lurking under the surface.Meanwhile, Sneed is learning how to babysit, Nanny is performing questionable medical procedures, Lenny is threatening people with radioactive water, and Crane is still trying to figure out what exactly he's supposed to be doing.Just another normal day in the wasteland.Welcome back to Games in the Dark.

Welcome to Games In The Dark as we begin our Fallout 2D20 tabletop RPG campaign set in the Appalachian wasteland.The settlement of Land O Smiles celebrates its first Founders Day. One year of survival. One year of order in a chaotic world. Then the music stops.What starts as a simple welfare check on two tarberry farmers turns into a violent confrontation inside a blood soaked barn. Shotgun blasts. Grenades. Severed limbs. A man claiming he does not know his own wife. And something crying in the dark.In this episode you meet:Throckman the Sneed, a vault dweller with suspiciously good luck and a fondness for explosivesLenny, a hardened ghoul who has seen decades of brutalityNanny, a Mr Handy caretaker with a buzzsaw and strict rules about child safetyCrane, a former raider attempting to live inside a settlement he does not respectWe are using the official Fallout 2D20 system by Modiphius and running it inside TaleSpire for tactical combat and cinematic roleplay.If you enjoy Fallout lore, tabletop RPG actual play, DnD style campaigns, post apocalyptic storytelling, or gritty character driven chaos, this series is for you.Subscribe for weekly episodes and follow the story from the beginning.

In this episode, we dive deep into Fallout tabletop RPG character creation, breaking down origins, attributes, skills, perks, equipment, and backstories as we build our characters from the ground up. From luck-based ghouls to chemists with unexpected talents, this session sets the tone for the entire campaign.We share our personal experiences with Fallout games, explore how RPG mechanics translate into tabletop play, and talk through the choices that will shape our characters and the story ahead. Expect humor, worldbuilding, and a lot of excitement as we prepare for the wasteland.If you love Fallout, tabletop RPGs, or character-driven storytelling, this is the perfect place to start.

Venturing deeper into Jimmy’s Hell, the quartet of local investigators navigate the maze of laurel while a mysterious beast stalks them from the undergrowth. Violence, fear, paranoia, and strange dealings abound in this third and final part of The Old Gods of Appalachia.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

The confrontation with Pollard Bayles reveals new mysteries, and a local joins our trio of investigators. As the group heads out of town, they’re faced with tangled webs of claustrophobia-inducing vegetation and unexpected obstacles. One of the group, it seems, is harboring a dark secret from the rest as they delve into the troubling wilderness.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Something ain’t right down in the holler. Locals gather for a good ol' time filled with fiddle music, but quickly discover that something strange is afoot. Join our players for this first episode in a limited run of The Old Gods of Appalachia.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Join the cast as they hop into DungeonBox (beta), a JackBox-like party game where the players respond to adventure prompts and vote to see where the story takes them. The crew runs through two scenarios - the first, an outbreak of quickly multiplying toads that threaten a village; the second, a mysterious inhabitant of a tower causing some measure of panic in town. There’s enough gluten intolerance, romance, and haiku deathmatch for everyone in this special episode of Games in The Dark.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

The investigators follow their best lead to the Sheriff's house, and discover a disgusting inhabitant and even worse developments below. The conclusion of the campaign sees the group delve into tunnels beneath the town and discover the awful truth of the fungal infection that has cursed the town. How many will live through the conclusion to our run of Liminal Horror?'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

In the aftermath of frightening discoveries at Hines Farm, the investigators try to put the pieces together and figure out what’s happening in their town. After confirming recent events with Bobby, the stock boy who saw the kerfuffle at the Co-op, a series of new developments seem to confirm the investigators’ suspicions. Having checked in with the Sheriff, the investigators realize that it’s up to them to bring the truth to light. 3'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Meet The Book Club, a group of concerned and slightly conspiracy-oriented Coldwater citizens who have sensed a mysterious underbelly in the town since the strange deaths a year ago. The group is made up of: Aaron, the local journalist; Richard, a well-spoken retiree; Charles, the town’s librarian; and Allgenon, a mycologist consulting with the Book Club. The quartet of amateur investigators catches wind of the strange reappearance of the park ranger, and the violent end of a few folks at the local Co-op. Based on this info, they track down some leads and attempt to uncover what they’ve suspected for months: there are stranger things occurring in Coldwater than anyone is willing to admit.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Percy and his two tagalongs seek an interview with the recent inhabitants of The Lodge, a one-time tourist destination turned private residence. Things get tense, and the conversation leads to a significant bomb being dropped. Meanwhile, nearby nature enthusiasts make grave discoveries and uncover the evidence of a massive conspiracy. Stay tuned for Gore, but perhaps not 4 Cash.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

The situation at the Co-op bears grave consequences for one of our investigators. In the aftermath of fungus-induced savagery, the group gets some information about the recent history of the town and starts to formulate some ideas, theories, and plans of action. Gore 4 Cash continues to generate that good good content, and the investigators get a new target for their interviews.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Our brave podcaster Percy Dukes valiantly leads his two contracted employees as they confront confusing camp conundrums, perilous pizza, and a shady sheriff. Dukes suffers the indignity of staying the night in Delbert’s trailer, but is pleasantly surprised by the kickoff of Coldwater’s annual Blueberry Festival. The trio continues their investigation by seeking interview subjects in town, but is surprised to discover the reemergence of a missing person in the middle of the local Co-op. Thrilling content for the listeners of Gore 4 Cash!'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Join true crime podcaster Percy Dukes as he investigates recent disappearances at Camp Coldwater. Along with this celebrated pod celebrity are Charleston, the musician-turned-sound guy, and Delbert, an elderly fishing guide. Along his journey into the mysteries of Camp Coldwater, Dukes will record his thoughts on the small nearby town of Coldwater, capture the mood and ambience of the water and woods, and confront fearsome fauna. Stay tuned, listeners, for this foray into true crime, recorded for your enjoyment on the Gore 4 Cash pod.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Place your bets on who survives this one. The search for Mike and Stavros takes a dark turn as the campers realize the deserted campground is hiding far more than bad vibes. After car trouble traps them at Camp Coldwater, a small group heads deeper into the woods—and that decision spirals into an unhinged chain of events none of them are prepared for.Strange lights, cryptid clues, and something twisted moving between the trees bring the group face-to-face with the true horror lurking out in the forest. What started as a simple rescue mission becomes a fight to stay in control—and stay alive.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Alex and Tubs return one year after their last scenario, joining friends for what should’ve been a simple camping trip. But tension from their past supernatural encounter lingers beneath the surface as the group heads deeper into the woods.What begins as a lighthearted getaway turns into a cryptid-ridden descent into the dark, where reality bends and something old watches from between the trees.A narrative-focused TTRPG horror episode featuring mystery, tension, and slow-burn dread.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

What does it take to make someone question their reality? What causes a person to believe so fervently that government black hats are keeping some horrible, eldritch truth from the public? Discover a descent into conspiracy and paranoia as a group of normal citizens are confronted with the surreal in our first episode of Liminal Horror. Few make it out with their lives or minds intact.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

After the chaos of Episode 11, the crew sits down to talk through everything that just went down. In this After Dark discussion we break down the major moments from the finale, the decisions that led there, and how the story unfolded behind the scenes. We also talk about the Zweihänder system so far, what’s working, what’s brutal, and how it’s shaping the campaign moving forward.If you just watched the episode and need a moment to process the joy, jealousy, terror, and trauma that came with it, this is where we unpack it all.Behind the rolls, behind the characters, and behind the madness of the Outcast Silver Raiders.

Join our Outcast Silver Raiders as the cliffhanger from the last episode is resolved. This is an episode of joy, jealousy, terror, and trauma as the consequences of Crowley’s proposal take shape. Our episode description is deliberately vague because, to be honest, some serious shit goes down in this one. We hope it’s as memorable for you as it was for us.

I hope you brought your energy because the crew passionately discusses the playthrough of Outcast Silver Raiders Episode 10 - Rings of Bronze, Silver, and Gold

Investigating the sunken chapel proves an intimidating task for our raiders, as they delve carefully into the dark below the water’s surface. Caution wins out as the group considers how far and how fast to explore, and rest becomes a priority. Some familiar faces are once again met, and one party member considers making a decision that will impact the future of the group. Stay tuned for a cliffhanger ending on this one!

Bronz, Crowley, their new travel companion Fiadh, and the walking terror now known as GrogNot depart from the Drowned Lion Inn. Bronz sets the party on a northbound journey, while thoughts of revenge against Utroat Castle dance in his mind. Their first stop on their journey is Merish Bridge, a structure with Whitehawk guard towers at either end. The group intends to hunt down a froglike creature prowling the area on behalf of the Whitehawks, and make their way north afterwards. Join the crew for a good old fashioned hex crawl and hunt for the dread frog of the Merish marshes!

Crowley and Bronz begin their road to recovery, both physically and regarding their fractured relationship. As the pair makes their way back to the Drowned Lion Inn, they encounter a strange woman and a spirit of the wilds bearing an ominous proposition. While they mull over their next move back at the Drowned Lion, Crowley recuperates while Bronz crafts a nefarious ritual.

Crowley attempts to explain the bandit camp to Bronz, and their mutual lack of trust complicates matters. The pair make a return journey to the Mountain of Peter the Bandit, where Bronz witnesses for himself the consequences of the cave. Paranoia, mistrust, and bloody twists ensue in this episode of OSR.

The consequences of a curse lead Grogwat and Crowley down an unexpected path into the wilderness. Far from help and civilization, the duo test their cunning, accuracy, and fortitude in a bloody battle. The odds aren’t in the favor of the pair as they psychotically attack everything in sight. Enjoy an absolute rollercoaster of an episode as the group returns to OSR!

In the aftermath of violence at the inn, the raiders attempt to pick up the pieces. While mistrust and tension still threaten the future of the group, they must first contend with a giant and terrible threat in the present. There’s no rest for the wicked, it would seem.'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Many paths present themselves for our mercenaries. After planning their next moves, the raiders say goodbye to Saint Lewiston and head to the Drowned Lion Inn in search of a missing White Hawk patrol. Things start to go badly, and then get so much worse. 1 star tavern review, locals ruined the experience'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Morning comes to Vasyl’s keep, and the survivors of the last few days try to set a path for the future. The raiders strategize about how to proceed while tensions among them simmer. Ultimately, the road calls to all raiders and they set off back into the Mythic North to sell their plunder. An opportunity for a new party member presents itself.Weekly releases every Monday!Artwork by Mason:https://www.instagram.com/poison.patches/'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Face to face with the vampire lord Vasyl in the moonlight beneath his keep, the raiders find themselves in a desperate situation. With few options before them, it’s a coin flip whether they’re lambs to the slaughter or just lucky enough to survive. Weekly releases every Monday!Artwork by Mason:https://www.instagram.com/poison.patches/'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Jump into the first recorded session of an ongoing campaign using Outcast Silver Raiders. The raiders - Bronz, Crowley, and Grogwat - have traveled far across the Mythic North over the past few months, discovering occult haunts, beasts of legend, and murderous zealots. They are currently under employ of the White Hawks, a large mercenary guild, and have located the alleged keep of a vampire in a far flung range of mountains. Having journeyed to the keep with a band of arrogant knights, the raiders seek the treasure - or doom - that lies within.Weekly releases every Monday!Artwork by Mason:https://www.instagram.com/poison.patches/'Omega' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Back on their feet and not quite wiser, the Rat Raiders return to the mines to finish what they started… only to find the whole place swallowed by water. What follows is a mix of negotiation, problem-solving, and questionable decision-making as the crew works to reclaim access and drain the depths. But clearing the flood just means opening the door to something worse. In this After Dark, we break down the choices, the consequences, and the moment things started to feel a little too intentional. New loot, new threats, and a growing sense that the mine isn’t done with them yet.

After recuperating from their injuries, the Rat Raiders head back into the mines for unfinished business. There, they find the mine flooded completely. The group negotiates access to the mine, resolves the flooding, and returns to the weird within. New treasures and surprising enemies await in this episode of Zweihander.

After one of the closest calls yet, the crew breaks it all down following a near total party kill deep in the mines. What started as a desperate fight quickly spiraled into survival mode, with the Rat Raiders pushed to their absolute limits.We dig into the key moments that nearly ended the campaign, the decisions that kept a few characters alive, and where things started to fall apart. There’s plenty of talk about tactics, missteps, and how the Fallout 2D20 system handled such a brutal encounter.With the party battered, smaller, and forced to rethink their next move, we also dive into reactions to the mysterious anarchist who may change everything moving forward.Expect raw reactions, some “what were we thinking” moments, and a look ahead at where the story could go next.