#layers of fear 2016

[melis-writes]

LAYERS OF FEAR (2016) | dev. Bloober Team & Incuvo.

[nemobeatrice]

Layers of Fear | Part 6: Final

[thedarkbluevoid]

Layers of Fear (2016)

[xxplastic-cubexx]

BIRTHDAY HAUL courtesy of a very lovely friend of mine 🥺

bonus goofy pics of a bday snack i had earlier with my favorite menace …..

[lokebrenna]

also has everyone seen the royal portrait.

girl he is in hell (good)

[softkult]

“𝖨 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗆𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝖿𝖾𝖾𝗅. 𝖫𝗈𝗌𝗍. 𝖠𝗅𝗈𝗇𝖾. 𝖧𝗈𝗉𝖾𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌… 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄 𝐈𝐓. 𝖡𝗎𝗍 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗇 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎, 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖺 𝗐𝖺𝗒. 𝖠 𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝗍 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝖻𝖺𝖼𝗄. 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗉𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗂𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗋𝗎𝗅𝗒 𝖽𝖾𝗌𝗂𝗋𝖾𝖽. 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐈𝐓!” — LAYERS OF FEAR (2016)

[thedevilinmybrain]

Okok so my instinct is to request mafia world stuff cause no one does it like you BUT I know you’re already working on that fic so I will wait patiently 🫡

Sooo for today … may I request something vampire flavored ?? I don’t have thoughts beyond that tbh so you’re welcome to make it your own. Maybe vamp Louis. And established relationship ?? And human Harry ?? I honestly don’t know plsss I’ll take anything.

Thank you!!

i do love a good vampire au. fun fact, the first fan fic i ever wrote was a vampire fic waaaay back when i wrote for a different bandom. so many years ago. i hope you like this!

Stomping the snow from his boots, Harry toes them off and leaves them on the small mat by the door, hangs his coat above it on the hook. Work was too long today and the train was delayed, which only added another layer to an already exhausting day. Harry doesn't even think he's fully aware of himself as he sets the kettle on, thumbs through the mail he snagged on his way in. He's just starting to open up a letter from his building's management when something catches his eye. In the reflection of the glass on the microwave door, Harry can see out that his bedroom door is opening, slowly back until it bumps into the opposite wall.

Fear settles over him like a too warm shawl, grips his chest and breaks goosebumps over his arms. His neighborhood isn't that nice and he's heard rumors of break ins all over town. He thought he locked up when he left but Harry's building is old and not all the windows latch that tight. Reaching over, Harry slips his hand around the large butcher's knife sitting in the block on the counter, drawing it out.

It's only a few steps to his bedroom from his open kitchenette and Harry doesn't think he breathes the whole time. He just needs to check, needs to know if it's being irrational or it's the wind or someone's in there. He doesn't even have anything worth taking. An old 2016 MacBook? Thrifted and tattered Prada boots? He works in a bar and lounge. He isn't exactly making millions.

Steeling his nerves as much as he can, Harry holds the blade to his chest, ready to swing as with a sharp inhale - he throws his bedroom door open.

A lot of things happen at once.

Harry lets out a scream that is way too loud and way too high pitched considering he's a fully grown man of twenty three. At the same time, the man who was lounging on his bed - idly thumbing through a romance novel that Harry definitely didn't buy on a whim and then loved - scrambles up with a cackle, his head tossed back in glee. There isn't even a light on in the bedroom. He was reading in the dark.

"God damn it Louis!" Harry hollers, half-heartedly swinging the knife towards him, more embarrassed than truly angry. "I told you to stop doing that!"

"I wasn't doing anything!" Louis defends, reaches back to slip a piece of paper into his book to hold his place. "I was waiting for you!"

"Why didn't you come greet me at the door?" Harry only has one full breath before there are hands on his cheeks, pushing him back and into the newly opened door frame.

"Because I'm not a dog." Louis coos, kisses over Harry's mouth as he reaches one hand down and takes the knife from him. "Why are you trying to stab me? I'm already undead. You can't make me more undead."

"Well, I could try." Harry huffs, rolling his eyes, but he accepts the cool press of Louis' lips on his, shivers when he feels his fangs drag over Harry's tongue - not enough to break skin but still deadly.

"I'm sorry baby. That was mean of me." Louis murmurs, tosses the knife up on the dresser so his free hand can pet down Harry's chest, settling over his rapidly beating heart. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"I didn't know it was you. It could have been anyone. A robber or a murderer." Harry huffs, fingers trailing over the soft fabric of Louis' sweater. "What if someone was here to kill me?"

"You really think I would let that happen?" Louis tuts softly, wrapping a curl around his finger. "You're mine, darling. Don't you know what that means?"

Harry just looks at him, gives a small shake of his head, a little mesmerized at the way the red ring gleams around Louis' pupil. It glows in the dark bedroom, like an animal's eyes caught in headlights, only lit from within. And all too well, Harry knows he's not standing with someone of this world.

"Silly human. Of course you don't." Louis kisses Harry's forehead, slipping his hand into Harry's. "Don't worry your little mortal head about it, okay? Let's get you settled in for the night."

[typhus-andronicus]

Layers of Fear (2016)

[psychics4unet]

100 Movies and TV Shows That Are All About Tarot Magic! 🔮✨📺

Movies

The Hunger Games (2012) - Katniss’s journey is like a tarot reading on steroids; choices and fate collide in a dystopian arena where survival is everything. 🎯

The Craft (1996) - A classic teen witch flick where tarot helps our girls explore their powers and the messy side of friendships. ⚡🧙‍♀️

The Matrix (1999) - Think of it as a giant tarot deck—Neo’s choices determine his fate in this mind-bending reality. 🕶️💊

Live and Let Die (1973) - Bond's tarot experience gives him the edge to outsmart villains; it's all about fate and danger, baby! 🔫🃏

The Devil's Advocate (1997) - The ultimate battle of good vs. evil, with tarot adding layers of temptation and deception to the mix. 😈⚖️

The Mummy Returns (2001) - Who knew tarot could be a map to ancient magic? This adventure intertwines destiny with mystical fun. 🏺✨

The Dead Zone (1983) - A guy wakes up from a coma with psychic powers—basically a walking tarot deck revealing tragedies. 🥴🔮

The Gift (2000) - A psychic woman using tarot to solve a murder? Yes, please! The cards are a game changer for uncovering dark secrets. 🕵️‍♀️🖤

The Love Witch (2016) - Tarot is the ultimate love compass in this enchanting quest for romance; it’s a spellbinding ride. 💖🔮

The House of the Devil (2009) - Tarot cards hint at some seriously creepy stuff in this horror flick—just don’t ignore the signs! 👻🃏

The Witches of Eastwick (1987) - Witchy shenanigans are afoot! Tarot helps the ladies navigate their newfound powers in style. 🧙‍♀️✨

The Skeleton Key (2005) - Tarot adds a twist to this supernatural thriller, hinting at fate and transformation along the way. 🔑👻

The Tarot Card Mystery (1935) - A vintage mystery where tarot cards reveal secrets—definitely ahead of its time! 🃏🔍

The Witch (2015) - A haunting exploration of fear and isolation, with themes echoing tarot’s focus on the unknown. 🌌😱

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010) - Magic meets fate in this fun adventure; think of it as a magical tarot experience! ⚡️🧙

The Haunted Mansion (2003) - Tarot cards pop up as quirky tools to navigate spooky secrets—who doesn’t love a ghostly adventure? 👻🏰

The Seventh Seal (1957) - A classic that dives deep into mortality and fate, reminiscent of tarot’s existential vibes. ⚔️🕊️

The Brothers Bloom (2008) - Tarot elements add complexity to sibling dynamics; it’s all about finding purpose in the chaos. 🃏💔

The Final Destination (2000) - If that ain’t a tarot-inspired fate, I don’t know what is! Choices lead to some wild outcomes in this thriller. 💀🎲

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) - Dark secrets are unearthed, much like the revelations from a tarot reading. Intriguing, right? 🔍🖤

The Rites of Spring (2011) - A horror flick that vibes with sacrifice and fate, echoing the symbolism found in tarot cards. 🌱🔪

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) - Tension and unpredictability—this plot screams tarot vibes as life’s mysteries unfold. 🎭🔎

The Illusionist (2006) - A magician’s journey that parallels tarot’s mystical essence as he navigates love and fate. 🎩💫

The Others (2001) - Creepy atmosphere and hidden truths? Yep, tarot’s got that covered, too! 👻🔮

The Craft: Legacy (2020) - A fresh take on the original that dives into friendship and power through the lens of tarot and witchcraft. 🔮✨

The Fifth Element (1997) - This sci-fi classic combines magic and fate with a dash of humor; it’s like a cosmic tarot reading! 🚀💥

The Lovely Bones (2009) - A supernatural tale where tarot-like elements hint at the unseen and the unknown. 🌌🕊️

The Skeleton Twins (2014) - A dark comedy that touches on fate and family dynamics, echoing tarot’s complex themes. 🎭💔

The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) - Folklore meets mystery; the film explores themes of fate that resonate with tarot’s storytelling. 🏝️🐬

The Last Witch Hunter (2015) - Vin Diesel vs. witches with a side of tarot magic? Count me in! ⚔️🔮

The Psychic (1978) - This film dives deep into the world of psychic phenomena, showcasing tarot as a vital element. 🔮👁️

The Circle (2017) - A social media thriller where hidden truths emerge, similar to what tarot often reveals. 📱🔍

The Lady in White (1988) - A ghost story intertwined with mystery and fate, echoing the essence of tarot. 👻💔

The Stars Are Right (2016) - A quirky indie film that explores fate and destiny, capturing the spirit of tarot. 🌌✨

The Cat's Meow (2001) - A mysterious film where tarot serves as a lens through which the story unfolds. 🎩🔮

The Amityville Horror (1979) - Ghostly encounters hint at fate and the unknown, reminiscent of tarot's spooky vibes. 🏠👻

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) - Themes of identity and fate intertwine, much like a complex tarot spread. 🎭🔪

The Cabin in the Woods (2011) - A meta-horror film that plays with fate and choices, echoing the unpredictability of tarot readings. 🏕️🔮

The Golem (2018) - A mystical tale that explores themes of creation and fate through the lens of folklore. 🏺🌌

The Tenth Victim (1965) - A blend of sci-fi and existential themes, featuring fate and choices akin to tarot narratives. 🎯🔮

The Last House on the Left (1972) - A horror classic where fate and revenge intertwine, reminiscent of a dark tarot reading. 🔪😱

The Uninvited (2009) - A supernatural thriller that hints at hidden truths and fate, paralleling tarot’s revelations. 🏠👻

The Beloved (2002) - A haunting exploration of love and loss, echoing tarot's complex emotional landscapes. 💔🔮

The Dreamers (2003) - A film that dives into identity and choice, echoing the themes found in tarot readings. 🌙✨

The Giver (2014) - Themes of choice and fate resonate in this adaptation, mirroring the insights tarot can provide. 📚🔮

The Stendhal Syndrome (1996) - A psychological thriller exploring identity and fate, akin to the symbolism in tarot. 🎨🌀

The Inheritance (2020) - A suspenseful tale where family secrets unravel, showcasing tarot’s ability to reveal hidden truths. 🏡🔍

The Illumination of the Heart (2021) - A story of self-discovery and fate that resonates with tarot's themes. 💖🔮

The Shadow of the Wind (2021) - This adaptation plays with themes of fate and discovery, much like a tarot reading. 📖✨

The Tenth Victim (1965) - A blend of sci-fi and existential themes, featuring fate and choices akin to tarot narratives. 🎯🔮

TV Series

Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Buffy’s journey often mirrors tarot themes of fate and choice, especially with her supernatural challenges. 🧛‍♀️🃏

True Detective - Dark and atmospheric, tarot-like symbolism underscores the show’s exploration of fate and morality. 🌌🔍

The Simpsons - Tarot pops up in humorous moments, revealing the show’s clever take on destiny and future events. 😂🔮

Charmed - Sister witches often use tarot to guide their magical choices and navigate personal dilemmas. 🌟🧙‍♀️

American Horror Story: Coven - The use of tarot enhances the show’s dark themes, revealing secrets and fate in the world of witches. 🔮👻

Supernatural - The Winchesters encounter tarot in their monster-hunting adventures, adding depth to their supernatural quests. 👬🔪

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - Tarot plays a significant role as Sabrina navigates the complexities of magic and destiny. 🧙‍♀️🖤

Psychic Detectives - This series highlights real-life psychic detectives using tarot and intuition to solve crimes. 🔍🔮

The OA - The show’s exploration of alternate realities and fate resonates with tarot's deeper meanings. 🌌✨

The Twilight Zone - Various episodes reflect on fate and the unexpected, echoing tarot's insights into human nature. 🌠🌀

Once Upon a Time - The blend of fairy tales and fate often hints at tarot-like themes throughout the series. 📖✨

The Good Place - Philosophical discussions about morality and choice parallel the insights gained from tarot readings. 😇💭

Castle - The detective duo sometimes turns to tarot for insights into their cases, blending humor and mystery. 🔍📚

Dark Shadows - The gothic series often intertwines themes of fate and supernatural elements akin to tarot. 🌙🦇

Twin Peaks - The series’ exploration of dreams and hidden truths resonates with the mystique of tarot readings. 🌌👁️

The Simpsons - Tarot gets a playful nod in various episodes, reflecting the show’s irreverent humor about fate. 😂🃏

Shadowhunters - The characters explore destiny and choice in a world filled with supernatural elements, echoing tarot themes. 🌌🗡️

The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Characters often face choices that mirror the dilemmas found in tarot readings. 🏫💔

The Sopranos - Characters navigate fate and morality, exploring themes that resonate with tarot’s insights. 🔫💭

The Expanse - Choices and destinies intertwine in this sci-fi epic, mirroring the complexity of a tarot spread. 🚀🔮

The Haunting of Hill House - Themes of grief and fate resonate deeply, akin to the revelations found in tarot readings. 👻💔

The Mentalist - The protagonist’s observational skills often mirror the insights one might gain from tarot. 🕵️‍♂️🔮

The Umbrella Academy - Themes of family, fate, and destiny play out in wild ways, much like a tarot deck in action. 🌈🦸‍♂️

The Vampire Diaries - Characters often face choices that echo the dilemmas and fates seen in tarot readings. 🧛‍♀️💔

The Blacklist - The use of intuition and uncovering secrets parallels the insights gained from tarot. 🕵️‍♀️🔍

The Office - Tarot makes a quirky appearance, offering a humorous take on fate and decision-making. 😂📋

The Simpsons - Tarot gets a playful nod in various episodes, reflecting the show’s irreverent humor about fate. 😂🃏

The Big Bang Theory - Characters often joke about tarot, providing comedic insights into fate and decisions. 🧑‍🔬🎲

The X-Files - Paranormal elements and investigations often touch on themes akin to tarot’s mysteries. 👽🔍

The West Wing - Political decisions and moral dilemmas resonate with themes found in tarot readings. 🏛️💭

The Good Wife - Legal battles and ethical choices reflect the complexities of fate and decision-making, much like tarot. ⚖️💔

The Middle - Everyday choices in family life often resonate with the relatable dilemmas seen in tarot spreads. 🏠💖

The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Characters face life-altering decisions that echo the themes found in tarot readings. 🏫💔

The Affair - Complex relationships and moral choices explore themes of fate that resonate with tarot’s insights. 🌊💔

The Good Fight - Legal drama intertwined with moral complexities, showcasing themes of fate and choice akin to tarot. ⚖️🔮

The Amazing Race - Contestants face challenges that mirror the unpredictability of tarot readings and fate. 🌍🏃‍♂️

The Neighborhood - Light-hearted comedy that often touches on fate and friendship, echoing themes found in tarot. 🏡💖

The Big Bang Theory - Characters explore humor and fate, providing a light-hearted take on tarot’s deeper meanings. 🎲😂

The Goldbergs - Family dynamics and nostalgic themes often resonate with relatable dilemmas seen in tarot readings. 🏠💖

The Resident - Medical dramas often explore moral dilemmas, reflecting the complexity of choices found in tarot. 🏥💔

The Good Place - Philosophical discussions about morality and choice mirror insights gained from tarot readings. 😇💭

The Wonder Years - A nostalgic exploration of life’s choices and fate, echoing the themes seen in tarot. 🌼💭

The Flash - Time travel and choices intertwine, reflecting themes of fate and destiny akin to tarot narratives. ⚡🕒

The Last Man on Earth - A humorous take on survival and fate in a post-apocalyptic world, echoing the themes found in tarot. 🌍😂

The Fall - A psychological thriller where the interplay of fate and morality resonates with tarot’s deeper meanings. 🕵️‍♀️💔

The Expanse - A complex narrative where fate and choices intertwine, much like a tarot spread. 🌌🔮

The Haunting of Hill House - A deep exploration of grief and fate, paralleling the revelations often found in tarot readings. 👻💔

The 100 - Survival and moral choices mirror the complex themes seen in tarot readings. 🌍🔪

The Mandalorian - Destiny and choice play significant roles as characters navigate a galaxy filled with uncertainty, echoing tarot’s themes. 🌌⚔️

The Walking Dead - The show dives into choices and fate in a post-apocalyptic world, reflecting the unpredictability of tarot. 🧟‍♂️🔮

[melis-writes]

LAYERS OF FEAR (2016) | dev. Bloober Team & Incuvo.

[nemobeatrice]

Layers of Fear | Part 5: I Want More Than a Divorce

[thedarkbluevoid]

Layers of Fear (2016)

[videogamepolls]

Requested by anon

[open-hearth-rpg]

“Why Do Your Actual Play Videos Look Like Ass?”

ROUGH BUT FAIR

I got asked this, albeit indirectly, back in January. At the New Year’s Open Hearth Community meeting someone relayed they’d heard this comment about our Actual Play videos. This referred to not just my channel, but our community collection of actual plays built up over eight+ years. 

It’s a lot of sessions. A lot of games. My stuff alone is over 1000 sessions over dozens of systems. 

And it’s a fair question. They might stumbled on to one of our video roundups or seen a session shared. I can understand their reaction, especially if they’ve watched heavily produced and edited videos like those from Critical Role or Dimension20. Or even if they’ve followed one of the many talented teams who stream on Twitch or elsewhere with seasons, transitions, and nice visual templates. They’re all great watches– especially streams featuring indie games and diverse casts.

So what’s up with us?

Answering that question takes a little bit of set up and explanation. 

The short answer: You know that reliable YouTube repair video recorded on a phone by someone in their garage? That’s us. 

The long answer…

WHAT THE WHAT IS OPEN HEARTH?

We’re an online tabletop rpg community. We’ve been around in some form since 2016. Game facilitators post series and sessions on our calendar and people can sign up there. Every game’s run under our code of conduct and has to use a layered set of safety tools. Our GMs teach any rules and while we lean into indie and storygames, we also have folks who love OSR and more trad-leaning games (like my runs of 2d20, GUMSHOE, Imperium Maledictum, 13th Age, and the like). 

We have a patreon which gives backers a 48 hour window to sign up for sessions before they’re open generally. But we also have folks running games specifically for new players which set that aside. We’re always looking for ways to get new folks into sessions– like the open gaming events we do a couple of times each year. After folks have played with us a couple of times, they’re welcome to post their own sessions and series. We also do irregular “Game Facilitator Camps” to help people learn and polish their online GMing skills. 

Since the beginning some of our GMs have videos of our sessions and collecting those on our YouTube channel. Game facilitators mention in their event description if they plan to record. Not all sessions are recorded and posted. It’s not a requirement. In most cases, players can say they’d rather not be recorded– and in all cases a GM needs to confirm before posting any session publicly. For example a couple of times I’ve had folks ask for me to trim out personal info or emotionally fraught moments from a session. 

All of these recordings are rough. They’re the raw play of the session: unedited and wysiwyg. I’m recording from Zoom, some folks use Streamyard, and a small group of the more technically savvy use OBS+. On occasion I remember to pause the recording over breaks or during character creation when everyone’s tooling away on their sheets. But generally it’s like sitting in the room while someone’s running a home game. They’re messy, mostly on topic, trying to get to grips with the rules, figuring things out together. 

And I love it for that. They’re not polished. A comment made in connection with that “why do your APs look terrible?” question suggested we were some kind of ‘elite gaming association.’ I fear that impression might come from my posting a lot of game thinking, history, and analysis in our social media feeds. 

The truth is that I post those things in a desperate bid to have content. In our community we mostly talk about what games we’re playing and what games we want to play.

Bottom line: we’re a bunch of folks getting together to play our elf-games, make silly voices, and try to tell fun stories together. We’re trying to do that in a way that’s inclusive, takes safety seriously, and evolves over time. 

So why post actual play videos in such a state? I have some answers, in order from most important or probably least important…

FIVE REASONS

First, these videos shows how a particular game actually works at the table. Our community plays a lot of different games– I’d argue one of the largest collections of different systems. It serves as a great resource if you’re curious about a game, setting, or system. Most of us who record include our session zero as well as play sessions. So you get to see what’s involved with that, how to manage set up, and the kinds of collaboration which happens. You also see, warts and all, the rough patches and stumbling blocks. 

For example, I love Hearts of Wulin, but building Entanglements takes a lot of work during character creation. Don’t get me wrong: it's also the most important. Entanglements up the conflicts and plots you’re going to explore. But it requires you to both do some heavy creative work and listen to the other players at the same time. Sometimes I manage that phase really well– sometimes I forget that it has a higher cognitive load. Then I have to lean in and help folks navigate creating those. 

In a similar way, our AP illustrate the flow of play. What does resolution involve? How long does combat take? Where do folks get bogged down? That’s useful and can tell you if this is a game you’d be comfortable playing or running. Beyond that you get to see how much people seem to be enjoying and engaging with it. We present the naked truth of the game. All the rough edges remain and I think that’s great. It’s not for everyone— especially if you like a more polished presentation.

Second, you get to see safety tools in action. If you want to know how GMs carefully present a layered set of safety tools, watch a couple of session zeros. Different game facilitators will approach this in different ways, but we stress that GMs explain and actually implement a couple of tools. In my case I use Lines & Veils as a baseline, the X-Card as a reactive tool for resetting & calibration, and Open Door so folks know they aren’t trapped in a game. You can see how these tools don’t present a burden, don’t get in the way, and do enhance play. It reduces some of the worry people may have about joining a group of strangers online. It isn’t perfect, but these tools offer a baseline. I’m a white dude with all the privilege that brings, but I wouldn’t join in a random online game unless I knew tools like those were in place. 

Third, like other online streaming games: curated, edited, or otherwise, you get to see good GMs and players in action. It’s a great way to learn and pick things up. Not necessarily the full-on art of theater and improvisational acting, but what good play looks like. How you move the spotlight around. How you work to bring others into your scenes. How you collaborate to build a setting and vibe. How you handle end of session debriefs and feedback. That’s useful and, I think, confidence building. 

Fourth, and more selfishly, these videos are a decent advertisement for our community. It’s a decent and cheap way for us to keep our name out there. Beyond the videos, as I mentioned above, people can listen to these sessions as podcasts now. It’s also a way for us to boost the work of designers. It’s not a review, comment, or five stars but it does show how much we’ve enjoyed a particular game. I always dig it when I see designers resharing sessions, I hope it helps them increase their audience. 

Fifth, I like having those videos out there because they celebrate our GMs. They’re the engine of our community: folks who enjoy running games and put in the effort to entertain and engage a group of folks. We have amazing game facilitators and what strikes me is how different their approaches can be. I learn something new whenever I play with another GM here.

But on a related note, I will admit that I like having cover for my vanity. By placing my sessions alongside others, I manage to conceal how much my posting these sessions is an act of ego. I’m more than a little vain about my GMing.  

STARS AND WISHES

Overall we hope to be a useful and accessible resource for folks playing ttrpgs online. We hope folks will find their place in this hobby. If someone comes and plays with us, that’s great, but we’re more interested in just getting people to play anywhere. 

If you want to check out our collection of Actual Play Sessions, like and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

If you’re interested in just listening to sessions, you can subscribe to our podcast.

If you want to see the Playabl calendar app we use for organizing

If you want to find out more about our community, see here. 

We have Discord we’re working to do more with.

[bookgeekgrrl]

My media this week (4-10 May 2025)

📚 STUFF I READ 📚

🥰 Head for Murder (Head Rock Harbor Mystery #1) (Chase Connor, author; Nick Trengrove, narrator) - queer cozy mystery complete with small town, book shop and an Abyssian named Rattlesnatches

🥰 Murder in the Rough (Head Rock Harbor Mystery #2) (Chase Connor, author; Nick Trengrove, narrator) - more queer cozy mystery shenanigans with Jackson (and Rattlesnatches)

😊 Settle Down (wearing_tearing, whatthehale) - 153K, Sterek, schmoopy but enjoyable old-school omegaverse mpreg fic [apparently I had already read this fic but I think it was when it was brand new, 10 years ago. so it felt new to me 😆]

😊 A Suitable Captive (The Suitable 'Verse #3) (R Cooper) - entertaining faux medieval fantasy romance

😍 Watching Our Stars Align (ClarkeStetler) - 68K, SuperBat - extremely entertaining! a superheroes dating app leads to a triple case of identity porn - delighted by the added layer with app aliases. Also some cute TimKon stuff in the background

💖💖 +78K of shorter fic so shout out to these I really loved 💖💖

you can hear it in the silence (AppleJuiz) - Leverage: Leverage OT3, 14K - "The thing about coding is that it’s all about languages. It’s learning new syntaxes and phrases and framings, it’s reshaping your brain to communicate in a new way, with something that feeds on logic and direct lines of thoughts… Hardison slowly becomes fluent in Parker and Eliot."

it's a hell of a universe series (storm_petrel) - Star Wars: Din/Luke, 20K - alt-meeting AU, fantastic character studies (pt 1 is Luke's POV, pt2 is Din's)

📺 STUFF I WATCHED 📺

White Collar - s2, e3, 13; s3, e1, 8

Ghosts (US) - s4, e20-21

Um, Actually - s10, e8

Game Changer - s7, e3

The Brokenwood Mysteries - s11, e3

D20: Neverafter - "Mirror, Mirror" (s16, e2)

D20: Adventuring Party - "Mrs. Potts Will Not Be Appearing" (s11, e2)

The Roll of a Lifetime: How Dimension 20 Sold Out Madison Square Garden

Leverage: Redemption - s3, e6

🎧 PODCASTS 🎧

Answer Me This! - AMT403: Popcorn, Vertigo and Toby Carvery

⭐ The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Bad Rap Week: Prowling for Coyotes in Chicago’s Graceland Cemetery

⭐ Strong Songs - "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Jim Steinman and Bonnie Tyler

The Sporkful - How The Real José Cuervo Invented Modern Tequila

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - The Places We Gained After the Pandemic

Unexplainable - Who are you calling a Neanderthal?

It's Been a Minute - The MET Gala: the indisputable best & worst looks of the night

Vibe Check - Always Bet on Black featuring Chioma Nnadi

Today, Explained - The two dolls economy

⭐ Short Wave - What's The Environmental Cost Of AI?

Code Switch - 40 years ago, Philadelphia police bombed this Black neighborhood on live TV

No One Saw It Coming - The Blunder that Broke the Berlin Wall

Ologies - Artificial Intelligence Ethicology (WILL A.I. CRASH OUT?) with Abeba Birhane

⭐ 99% Invisible - 😅⚖️

What Next - Yes, Shelves Will Be Empty

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - The Big Well

Switched on Pop - Eurovision feast: Poison Cake, Milkshake Man, and Espresso Macchiato (featuring Tommy Cash)

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Club Ebony

Decoder Ring - Off-the-Wall Stories of Off-Label Use

What Next: TBD - Chatbots All The Way Down

Pop Culture Happy Hour - Fight Or Flight

⭐ Vibe Check - A Good Sermon featuring Senator Elizabeth Warren

⭐ This Week In Fandom History - BONUS! Trans Fans Have Always Been Here

What Next - Main Character Syndrome: Your Mom

Throughline - California's 'Bum Blockade'

Imaginary Worlds - Body Horror Gets Under My Skin

⭐ Song Exploder - Tears for Fears "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"

Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me! - Nathan Lane

🎶 MUSIC 🎶

Soft Rock Ballads

Radio • Power ballads

Carly Rae Jepsen

The Struts

'00s Pop-Rock Hits

R&B Blueprints

The Monkees 50 [The Monkees] {2016}

Songs Of The Beatles [Sarah Vaughn] {1981}

Buckwheat Zydeco radio