Before you ask: yes we know about the way that Wizards of the Coast have been acting, starting with the Game Licence thing, and ending with the Pinkertons, and by god, that is quite the nose dive there isn’t it.

Now since the beginning of this show, back when it was still the pipe dream of a bunch of kids, we had always intended to use a the platform we’re trying to create to highlight games beyond those that are most visible to the public and, inevitably, that would mean stepping outside the very helpful spotlight created by the likes of WOTC and Critical Role and finding and playing other games. As a part of this goal we have been collecting other game systems to play while planning and creating this show.

We chose to start with D&D 5e because you, the viewers, and we the players are most familiar with it. this offers us some benefits both in spreading this show to as wide a group as possible, and made it most easy to focus on the production of the show without having to second guess ourselves about the rules, setting, or gameplay ensuring this will be enjoyable to all those involved.

All that being said, we have stopped purchasing WOTC products with the only money they receive from us is a DND Beyond subscription if only because those resources are invaluable in running a smooth game and making sure that everyone is on the same page regarding statistics and game rules.

anyway of you’ve read this far, I think you must understand where we are coming from and willing to take a chance on us, and for that, we thank you. We hope you enjoy the show, and stick with us for the long run.

The post Yes We’ve Heard appeared first on Knives & Numbers Podcast.

In the small mining town of Silver Crest, in a small ally behind a public house, a fight has just finished with the loser just starting to crawl away. The victor is a tall thin half-orc, Kalbeck (portrayed by Daniel) starting to straighten his clothes and return inside.

The inside of the tavern is filled with the sound of music, emanating from the bard on the corner stage, a Demoness, Scarlett (portrayed by V) though not for long as she rushes to meet the Orc as he enters fussing over his fighting random weirdos from the pub. Scarlett isn’t the only one as the captain of the guards also concerned about the bouts of random brawling though but has more important things on his mind, recruiting the two to stake out and catch a serial kidnapper stalking the small town.

The Captain sends Kalbeck and Scarlett to a local Bakery to meet with the their handler and begin their watch.

The Marie and Twinnete Cake House has two strange new customers asking for cake. One a dangerously pale young woman with a bow on her back and axes on her hips. The Dhampir, Ece (portrayed by Smile) pays for her cake and sits down in one of the tables inside. Immediately after, a loud crystalline woman bounds in and inquires after the chemical composition of the Cakes, before making a purchase and taking a seat separate from Ece. The Earth Genasi Winifred (portrayed by Jaz) begins to enjoy her cake and tinker with some strange devices pulled from a bag.

In the corner of the bakery’s sitting area is Kalbeck and Scarlett’s guard. A tall and broad Firbolg in the standard armour of the city watch calmly keeping an eye on the environment. He stands to invite his two charges to sit with him.

Leaping into Action

All most as soon as everyone is seated, the Kidnapper strikes in a townhouse across the street and a fire, 2 doors down. Our heroes leap into action, crashing into the house of the victim and rushing upstairs before it’s too late. Luckily the kidnapper is yet to escape, or perhaps kidnappers, as three strange beings are in the process of tying an older man and ferrying him out the window.

A fight ensues the small beings are slippery and difficult, and seem all too fond of blinding their enemies through a variety of magical means. though they are defeated all the same. Not before a larger one of their ilk try to make a final bid to escape with their victim. though this thug is quickly rendered unconscious and carted off to the jail for keeping and interrogations.

With the kidnappers foiled and a new direction for the investigation, the episode ends here.

The post Recap: Episode 1 You meet in a Bakery? appeared first on Knives & Numbers Podcast.

In Cyberpunk Red, players are transported to the year 2045, after the catastrophic events of the Fourth Corporate War. The game excels in delivering a truly immersive and evocative atmosphere, filled with sprawling megacities, towering skyscrapers, and a perpetual state of moral ambiguity. From the moment you dive into the world of Cyberpunk Red, you’re instantly captivated by its cyberpunk aesthetics, fuelled by the fusion of high technology and a grim, anarchic society.

Character creation in Cyberpunk Red is a flexible and intricate process, allowing players to craft unique individuals from a variety of roles, such as Netrunners, Solos, Fixers, and more. The lifepath system adds depth to character backgrounds, incorporating events and experiences that shape their personalities and motivations. As the game progresses, characters can grow and evolve through a robust advancement system, gaining new skills, cybernetic enhancements, and street cred. This progression mechanic ensures a sense of achievement and provides ample room for character customization.

The game mechanics of Cyberpunk Red strike a balance between simplicity and depth, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned tabletop gamers. The core rulebook provides a comprehensive set of rules, covering combat, hacking, social encounters, and various other aspects of gameplay. The inclusion of the Interlock System, a refined version of the classic Cyberpunk system, ensures smooth and dynamic gameplay, emphasizing tactical decision-making and narrative-driven storytelling.

At the heart of Cyberpunk Red lies its captivating storytelling and the pivotal role of the Game Master (GM). The game encourages GMs to create intricate narratives, offering guidance and tools to weave immersive stories in this dystopian world. The lore of the Cyberpunk universe is rich and extensive, providing ample material to inspire both GMs and players. Whether it’s embarking on dangerous missions, navigating treacherous political landscapes, or engaging in tense negotiations, the game’s mechanics and lore blend seamlessly to create memorable adventures.

One cannot overlook the stunning artwork and overall presentation of Cyberpunk Red. The core rulebook is adorned with breathtaking illustrations, showcasing the vibrant, neon-soaked aesthetics of Night City. The layout is sleek and easy to navigate, ensuring that players and GMs can quickly find the information they need. The attention to detail in both the visual design and the writing makes the game a pleasure to read and engage with.

Cyberpunk Red is a resounding success, successfully capturing the essence of the cyberpunk genre and immersing players in its dark, dystopian world. With its flexible character creation, intuitive game mechanics, and emphasis on storytelling, the game provides an exhilarating experience for both newcomers and veterans of tabletop roleplaying. Whether you’re a fan of the Cyberpunk series or simply love immersive storytelling, Cyberpunk Red is a must-play for anyone seeking a thrilling adventure in a future filled with chaos, technology, and moral ambiguity.

The post Unveiling a Dystopian Future: A Review of Cyberpunk Red appeared first on Knives & Numbers Podcast.