In this instalment of action surge, we reflect on an episode that - despite being our shortest episode yet - was jam packed with story, character and with everyone needing to think on their feet. 

We talked about how discussions away from the table can result in further discussions at it, and how these moments offer characters the chance to change and grow. Ben revealed parts of Raidion’s story that many of the characters had not yet been party to regarding the family he remembers and the darkest corners of his past. 

Next we moved on to balancing mechanical efficiency and character authenticity, reflecting on what it’s like to play at a table where people don’t want to tell the story in simplest ways - Aoife giving insight into Dolly’s discomfort with her newly acquired drum.

Then we moved on to the last half of the episode and the discovery of the way out of The Old Dark. Harry let us in on his thought process as he tried to balance creating atmosphere and handling seat-of-your-pants mechanics. We talked about responding to interesting ideas your players come up with, and trying to reward them for their ingenuity. It’s always about telling the story together.

After a brief video game discussion detour, we moved on to what happens next. Could an alliance between the kobolds and The Children of the Midnight Moon benefit both parties? Do the Newly Dead need to start building bridges, or is it enough to keep burning them down? We’ll have to find out next time…

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