Coriolis: The Great Dark - deep dives

Theory meets practice. After months of discussing scenario design methodology, character development frameworks, and action cinema techniques, we finally sat down and played through the delve portion of The Library of Apan'ra—and we're here to tell you what happened.Join Peter Randel, Carsten Eriksen, Christian Eriksen, and Eli Tremors for an informal conversation about our first hands-on experience with Coriolis: The Great Dark. As players new to the system but experienced in narrative gaming, we descended into The Maw on Nirgal B, confronted Builder glyphs that resisted interpretation, tracked Blight accumulation on our character sheets, and listened to the distant explosions of a rival crew racing us to the Prism.What worked? The atmospheric approach through Auriga's jade-green Veil. Serah Voss as our traumatized guide. The slow dread of resources depleting as we pushed deeper. What needs work? We have thoughts—and concrete suggestions for chase sequences, puzzle expansion, and rival crew confrontations.This is what playtesting sounds like: honest assessment, genuine enthusiasm, and practical revision notes for making the scenario stronger.#Coriolis #TheGreatDark #TabletopRPG #TTRPG #RPGPodcast #ScenarioDesign #Playtesting #CosmicHorror #ScienceFictionRPG #FriaLigan #YearZeroEngine #GMAdvice #GameMaster #Delving #BuilderRuins #RPGCommunity #ActualPlay #GameDesign #GreatDarkResources #ExplorerGuild

What happens when two delve crews compete for a starship captain's favor while facing cosmic horror in the ventilation ducts? Join our playtest crew for lessons in layered scenario design.Journey through slipstream space with veteran roleplaying gamers as they playtest "The Library of Apan'ra," a Coriolis: The Great Dark scenario built using Ask Agger's methodology. Host Eli Tremors and Peter Randel's longtime friends Tim Rasmussen, Mikael Andersen, and Høgni Kallehauge explore how the journey to Auriga created multi-layered tension through biological horror, political rivalry, and cosmic mystery.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Create layered obstacles that operate at multiple scales simultaneouslyIntegrate cosmic horror with practical problem-solving for maximum impactUse rival NPCs to generate ongoing tension without forced combatDesign journeys that functionally prepare players for main eventsBalance crisis moments with routine for natural pacing rhythmTHE PLAYTEST EXPERIENCE:Discover what happened when the crew volunteered for ventilation duct clearance while competing with a suspicious "geological survey team" for the captain's favor. Experience claustrophobic horror as they crawl through passages filled with crystalline arthropods and bioluminescent colonial structures that violate conventional biology.Høgni's laboratory analysis reveals organisms with crystalline matrices integrated into living cells—impossible by standard science. The crew faces a dilemma: share findings with rivals or maintain information advantage? Small decisions during the journey create lasting factional consequences.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:Minutes 1-6: Meet the rival crew and learn how professional courtesy masks strategic competitionMinutes 6-17: Into the ventilation ducts—cosmic horror meets practical engineeringMinutes 17-21: Intelligence gathering and the cost of information sharingMinutes 21-25: Scenario design principles—why these techniques workWHO SHOULD LISTEN:Game Masters designing scenarios for any science fiction RPG • Coriolis: The Great Dark players and GMs • Scenario designers interested in Ask Agger's methodology • Cosmic horror enthusiasts • TTRPG veterans who appreciate intelligent game design discussionABOUT THE GUESTS:Tim Rasmussen brings 30+ years of experience, strategic thinking, and high-level Magic: The Gathering expertise. Mikael Andersen combines military tactical analysis with statistical risk assessment. Høgni Kallehauge applies scientific methodology from rare disease diagnostics to cosmic mysteries.Format: Conversational playtest debrief with scenario design analysisTOPICS: Coriolis The Great Dark • Tabletop RPG • Scenario Design • Cosmic Horror • Ask Agger Methodology • Game Master Tips • Science Fiction RPG • Builder Ruins • Player Agency • Free League Publishing📝 Full show notes: greatdarkresources.wordpress.comNEXT: The arrival at Nirgal-B and descent into the Maw—where the journey ends and the horror begins.Created by Peter Randel | Content created under Fria Ligan AB's Coriolis: The Great Dark Third Party Supplement License.

This is a background materials file that I use to get inspiration on how to describe Builder ruins and make them come to live in the scenario I am working on.It was generated using Google's NotebookLM.I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing.#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #Builderruins #ruins #archeology #space #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration

Translating Cosmic Dread: Fidelity vs. Function in Coriolis's "The Quarantine Station" NightmareGoing over some of my old roleplaying materials I found the classic Mansions of Madness collection for Call of Cthulhu, and of the scenarios - the Sanatorium is a favorite of mine, and I thought how if this was transformed into a Coriolis the Great Dark scenario.So with the aid of Claude, I tried to work with the idea, and I think it could work.This Debate is a discussion about this. So is the previous episode, which used the Deep Dive format to discuss the same material.It was generated using Google's NotebookLM.I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing.#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #Builderruins #ruins #archeology #space #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration #call #callofcthulhu #cthulhu

Going over some of my old roleplaying materials I found the classic Mansions of Madness collection for Call of Cthulhu, and of the scenarios - the Sanatorium is a favorite of mine, and I thought how if this was transformed into a Coriolis the Great Dark scenario.So with the aid of Claude, I tried to work with the idea, and I think it could work.This Deep Dive is a discussion about this. So is the following episode, which uses the Debate format to discuss the same material.It was generated using Google's NotebookLM.I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing.#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #Builderruins #ruins #archeology #space #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration #call #callofcthulhu #cthulhu

This is a background materials file that I use to get inspiration on how to design Coriolis The Great Dark scenarios. I use this for inspiration for the scenario I am working on.It was generated using Google's NotebookLM.I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing.#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #Builderruins #ruins #archeology #space #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration

Part 3 of 3 (segment 4): From Concept to PublicationHow do you transform sophisticated scenario design into a usable document that game masters can actually run at the table?In this concluding episode, hosts Peter Randel, Carsten Eriksen, Christian Eriksen, and Elisabeth Tremors explore the often-overlooked art of scenario publication. Building on the structural foundations and action design from previous episodes, we examine how visual design, information architecture, and thoughtful handout creation determine whether The Library of Apan'ra succeeds in practice.Information ecology: designing for multiple reading modes (prep, play, deep study)Typography and layout as functional infrastructure, not decorationCreating essential delve maps: surface overview and depth cross-sectionHandout philosophy that enhances immersion without creating barriersCampaign integration frameworks that support both episodic and ongoing playEditorial techniques that make complex content accessible without dumbing it downThe publication as teaching tool: showing methodology, not just contentWhether you're publishing scenarios for others, creating materials for your own table, or studying how design choices affect usability, this episode provides sophisticated frameworks grounded in practical application.Scenario designers preparing for publication • Game masters creating custom adventures • Anyone interested in information design and usability • Fans developing Coriolis campaigns • Designers studying how layout supports play • Writers transforming ideas into usable documents#CoriolisRPG #TheGreatDark #TableTopRPG #RPGPodcast #ScenarioDesign #DelveCrawl #ScienceFictionGaming #FreeLeague #RPGDesign #GameMaster #PublicationDesign #InformationDesign #ArchaeologicalAdventure #CosmicHorror #AskAggerMethod #FiveRoomDungeon #RPGTheory #TabletopGaming #SciFiRPG #AdventureDesign #NarrativeGaming #IndieTTRPG #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #BuilderSites #SpaceArchaeology #ScenarioWriting #LayoutDesign #UsabilityDesign

Part 3 of 3 (segment 3): From Concept to PublicationHow do you transform sophisticated scenario design into a usable document that game masters can actually run at the table?In this concluding episode, hosts Peter Randel, Carsten Eriksen, Christian Eriksen, and Elisabeth Tremors explore the often-overlooked art of scenario publication. Building on the structural foundations and action design from previous episodes, we examine how visual design, information architecture, and thoughtful handout creation determine whether The Library of Apan'ra succeeds in practice.Information ecology: designing for multiple reading modes (prep, play, deep study)Typography and layout as functional infrastructure, not decorationCreating essential delve maps: surface overview and depth cross-sectionHandout philosophy that enhances immersion without creating barriersCampaign integration frameworks that support both episodic and ongoing playEditorial techniques that make complex content accessible without dumbing it downThe publication as teaching tool: showing methodology, not just contentWhether you're publishing scenarios for others, creating materials for your own table, or studying how design choices affect usability, this episode provides sophisticated frameworks grounded in practical application.Scenario designers preparing for publication • Game masters creating custom adventures • Anyone interested in information design and usability • Fans developing Coriolis campaigns • Designers studying how layout supports play • Writers transforming ideas into usable documents#CoriolisRPG #TheGreatDark #TableTopRPG #RPGPodcast #ScenarioDesign #DelveCrawl #ScienceFictionGaming #FreeLeague #RPGDesign #GameMaster #PublicationDesign #InformationDesign #ArchaeologicalAdventure #CosmicHorror #AskAggerMethod #FiveRoomDungeon #RPGTheory #TabletopGaming #SciFiRPG #AdventureDesign #NarrativeGaming #IndieTTRPG #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #BuilderSites #SpaceArchaeology #ScenarioWriting #LayoutDesign #UsabilityDesignIn This Episode:Perfect for:

This is a background materials file that I use to get inspiration on how to describe Builder ruins and make them come to live in the scenario I am working on.It was generated using Google's NotebookLM.I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing.#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #Builderruins #ruins #archeology #space #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration

This is a background materials file that I have created for my own personal learning. This was created using Google's Notebook LLM and a prompt created by Claude.This is primarily made for my own listening to revisit chapter 10 and 11 of the rulebook.#ScenarioDesign #NarrativeDesign #CreativeWriting #GameDesign #StorytellingTools #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG

This is a background materials file that I have created for my own personal learning. This was created using Google's Notebook LLM and a prompt created by Claude.This is primarily made for my own listening to revisit chapter 3 and 4 of the rulebook.#ScenarioDesign #NarrativeDesign #CreativeWriting #GameDesign #StorytellingTools #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG

This is a background materials file that I have created for my own personal learning. This was created using Google's Notebook LLM and a prompt created by Claude.This is primarily made for my own listening to revisit chapter 8 and 9 of the rulebook. I want to understand the factions and Ship City and have used Google's NotebookLM to generate a podcast that I can listen to in the car and hopefully help spark some creative ideas I can unfold and turn into future story nuggets or maybe something even more.#ScenarioDesign #NarrativeDesign #CreativeWriting #GameDesign #StorytellingTools #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG

Part 2 of 3 (segment 2): Designing Action in Archaeological AdventureHow do you create pulse-pounding action sequences that serve archaeological storytelling rather than interrupting it?In this episode, hosts Peter Randel and Carsten Eriksen welcome special guest Christian Eriksen (action cinema expert from Sydney) to explore how science fiction film techniques translate to tabletop delve scenarios. Building on Episode 1's structural foundations, we layer kinetic excitement onto The Library of Apan'ra scenario while maintaining The Great Dark's emphasis on cosmic mystery and character-driven narrative.In This Episode:Learning from Alien, Ad Astra, The Expanse, and The Maze RunnerDesigning the Ship City evasion, lunar surface investigation, and reality-warping Prism chamber climaxManaging pacing and player agency during kinetic sequencesUsing action to reveal theme, character, and setting simultaneouslyForeshadowing ethical complexity and darker elements for Episode 3Whether you're designing delve scenarios, running archaeological adventures, or simply interested in how action cinema informs tabletop gaming, this episode offers sophisticated frameworks and practical techniques.Perfect for:Game masters creating science fiction scenarios • Players interested in delve mechanics • Scenario designers studying narrative structure • Fans of Coriolis: The Great Dark • Anyone exploring the intersection of action and investigation in RPGs#CoriolisRPG #TheGreatDark #TableTopRPG #RPGPodcast #ScenarioDesign #DelveCrawl #ScienceFictionGaming #FreeLeague #RPGDesign #GameMaster #ActionScenes #ArchaeologicalAdventure #CosmicHorror #AskAggerMethod #FiveRoomDungeon #RPGTheory #TabletopGaming #SciFiRPG #AdventureDesign #NarrativeGaming #IndieTTRPG #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #BuilderSites #SpaceArchaeology

Part 2 of 3 (segment 1): Designing Action in Archaeological AdventureHow do you create pulse-pounding action sequences that serve archaeological storytelling rather than interrupting it?In this episode, hosts Peter Randel and Carsten Eriksen welcome special guest Christian Eriksen (action cinema expert from Sydney) to explore how science fiction film techniques translate to tabletop delve scenarios. Building on Episode 1's structural foundations, we layer kinetic excitement onto The Library of Apan'ra scenario while maintaining The Great Dark's emphasis on cosmic mystery and character-driven narrative.In This Episode:Learning from Alien, Ad Astra, The Expanse, and The Maze RunnerDesigning the Ship City evasion, lunar surface investigation, and reality-warping Prism chamber climaxManaging pacing and player agency during kinetic sequencesUsing action to reveal theme, character, and setting simultaneouslyForeshadowing ethical complexity and darker elements for Episode 3Whether you're designing delve scenarios, running archaeological adventures, or simply interested in how action cinema informs tabletop gaming, this episode offers sophisticated frameworks and practical techniques.Perfect for:Game masters creating science fiction scenarios • Players interested in delve mechanics • Scenario designers studying narrative structure • Fans of Coriolis: The Great Dark • Anyone exploring the intersection of action and investigation in RPGs#CoriolisRPG #TheGreatDark #TableTopRPG #RPGPodcast #ScenarioDesign #DelveCrawl #ScienceFictionGaming #FreeLeague #RPGDesign #GameMaster #ActionScenes #ArchaeologicalAdventure #CosmicHorror #AskAggerMethod #FiveRoomDungeon #RPGTheory #TabletopGaming #SciFiRPG #AdventureDesign #NarrativeGaming #IndieTTRPG #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #BuilderSites #SpaceArchaeology

Episode 1: Foundation and Framework - Building Delve Scenarios with Ask Agger and the Five Room StructurePart 1 of 3: Creating "The Library of Apan'ra"Join hosts Peter Randel, Carsten Eriksen, and Christian Eriksen as they begin a three-part deep dive into scenario creation for Coriolis: The Great Dark. In this foundational episode, discover how to transform archaeological exploration from simple treasure hunting into scenarios with genuine roleplaying opportunities, meaningful action sequences, and real depth.Learn to apply Ask Agger's proven scenario design methodology and the evolved Five Room Dungeon concept to create delve scenarios that serve both philosophical players and action-oriented crews. Using "The Library of Apan'ra" as a working example, the hosts demonstrate how to identify your scenario's Heart, structure dramatic beats that preserve player agency, and integrate narrative architecture with The Great Dark's delving mechanics.Perfect for game masters seeking practical tools to create scenarios where environmental hazards serve character development, where crew dynamics become tactically relevant, and where every discovery advances a central thematic question.Next: Episode 2 explores genre sophistication and cinematic action sequences.#CoriolisTheGreatDark #ScenarioDesign #TTRPG #TabletopRPG #GameMaster #AskAgger #FiveRoomDungeon #RPGPodcast #DelveScenarios #GameMasterTips #NarrativeDesign #TabletopGaming #RPGCommunity #FreeLeague #GreatDarkResources

This is a background materials file that I have created for my own personal learning. I want to be inspired on how to write short scenarios or side quests that tie into a larger story.I want to understand the physical space and the history and have used Google's NotebookLM to generate a podcast that I can listen to in the car and hopefully help spark some creative ideas I can unfold and turn into future story nuggets or maybe something even more.#ScenarioDesign #NarrativeDesign #CreativeWriting #GameDesign #StorytellingTools #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG

Great Dark Resources Episode 10: Adventures in the Dark - Creating Action-Packed Delve ScenariosJoin hosts Peter Randel and Carsten Eriksen as they welcome special guest Christian Eriksen to explore how classic action cinema techniques can enhance archaeological adventures in Coriolis: The Great Dark. Drawing inspiration from Indiana Jones and The Maze Runner, the trio discusses creating delve scenarios that satisfy both methodical investigators and action-oriented players.From responsive Builder technology to acoustic galleries with drone defenses, learn how to design scenarios where archaeological discovery drives exciting action sequences. The hosts explore moving beyond traditional "boss fights" toward sophisticated "comprehension climaxes" that challenge players intellectually while maintaining cinematic pacing.Discover practical techniques for integrating cosmic horror elements, Blight exposure, and crew dynamics into adventures that honor the setting's Middle Eastern cultural foundations while delivering the thrills of space archaeology.Perfect for game masters seeking to create memorable delving experiences that blend scholarly investigation with heart-pounding action.#CoriolisRPG #GreatDark #TabletopRPG #RPGPodcast #SciFiGaming #CosmicHorror #GameMaster #RPGDesign #ActionCinema #ArchaeologyGaming #BuilderSites #DelveScenarios #RPGStorytelling #SpaceArchaeology

Characters Coming to Life: Building NPCs from Core Rules to Cosmic HorrorHosts Peter Randel and Carsten Eriksen return to explore how their Explorers Guild character development project is evolving from theoretical framework into living, breathing NPCs. Discover how the confined setting of The Great Dark creates unique opportunities for character development that wouldn't exist in the expansive original Coriolis setting.Learn how to draw inspiration from science fiction masters like Reynolds, Simmons, and Asimov while maintaining canonical consistency with the Middle Eastern cultural foundations that make Coriolis distinctive. The hosts explore how Free League's design evolution from The One Ring's sophisticated travel mechanics to The Great Dark's delve-focused gameplay creates natural opportunities for character-driven storytelling.Featuring detailed discussions of historical characters like the estranged twins Hakim and Zahra ibn-Zahra—former members of Master Moska's original crew whose philosophical schism still haunts the Guild decades later. Explore how cosmic horror elements can be integrated into character development through Islamic scholarly traditions rather than Western materialist frameworks.Perfect for game masters looking to create NPCs who embody the philosophical tensions between secular exploration and sacred reverence, individual ambition and collective survival, human understanding and cosmic mystery. This episode provides practical techniques for building character relationships that thrive in The Great Dark's pressure cooker environment.#CoriolisTheGreatDark #ExplorerGuild #NPCDevelopment #CharacterDesign #TTRPG #TabletopRPG #GameMaster #RPGPodcast #FreeLeague #CosmicHorror #SciFiHorror #MiddleEasternFantasy #IslamicSciFi #BuilderArtifacts #ShipCity #LostHorizon #RPGStorytelling #NarrativeDesign #TheOneRing #DungeonCrawling #ArchaeologicalHorror #RPGAdvice #GameMasterTips #TabletopGaming #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #PersianMythology #SciFiRPG #HorrorGaming #RPGCharacters #NPCs #WorldBuilding #CampaignDesign #RPGInspiration #TabletopStorytelling

This is a background materials file that will be part of the material I use for an upcoming episode on the Icons and their role in Coriolis: The Great Dark.I think the Icons should be allowed to have a role in TGD and this is part of that work, which is still very much work in progress.It was generated using Google's NotebookLM and the research paper I had done as background for the upcoming episode on the Icons.I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing the actual script for the next episode for Peter and his guest, Eli, Carsten, or another character.https://greatdarkresources.wordpress.com/2025/08/19/the-cult-of-the-icons-in-the-great-dark/#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #icons #nineicons #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration

The Explorers Guild: Building Stories from the DepthsJoin hosts Peter Randel and Carsten Eriksen as they explore how to transform the canonical foundation of the Explorers Guild into a living, breathing narrative ecosystem for your Coriolis: The Great Dark campaigns. Drawing from decades of RPG experience and deep knowledge of science fiction literature, they discuss practical techniques for creating compelling NPCs who feel like real people with genuine stakes in your stories.From Master Moska's political maneuvering to the institutional trauma of the Catresuvian Collection crisis, discover how to use the Guild's precarious political position as a driver for ongoing dramatic tension. Learn how to develop characters across multiple organizational strata - from legendary founders to ambitious newcomers - each bringing different perspectives on risk, loyalty, and the ethics of archaeological exploration.The conversation delves into advanced storytelling techniques inspired by Alastair Reynolds, Dan Simmons, and Isaac Asimov, showing how to create "information economies" within the Guild where knowledge becomes currency and relationships drive narrative complexity. Explore practical approaches to rival delver crews, generational conflicts, and the middle management layer that wields unofficial but crucial influence over Guild operations.Perfect for experienced game masters looking to elevate their institutional storytelling beyond simple mission-giving organizations into complex communities that can support years of compelling campaign play. Whether your table focuses on political intrigue, archaeological mysteries, or character-driven drama, this episode provides frameworks for sustainable narrative complexity that grows organically with your campaign.https://greatdarkresources.wordpress.com/#CoriolisTheGreatDark #ExplorersGuild #TTRPG #TabletopRPG #GameMaster #NPCDevelopment #InstitutionalStorytelling #SciFiRPG #FreeLeague #RPGPodcast #CampaignDesign #NarrativeDesign #WorldBuilding #RPGAdvice #GameMasterTips #TabletopGaming #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #LostHorizon #BuilderMysteries #CoriolisRPG #RPGNarratives #StorytellingTechniques #CharacterDevelopment #RPGInspiration