Tal is joined by EN Publishing Business Manager Jessica Hancock to discuss Cast Party’s upcoming actual play limited series PodCast Party: Memories of Holdenshire, Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition; the exploration pillar and journey over destination; race, heritage, and culture in D&D; madness, exhaustion, fatigue, and strife; creating content for Level Up: A5E; a paid playtesting opportunity, and more!
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In Episode 45, the adventurers take a leap of faith to escape the city of Elturel.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape.
Mad Maggie (artwork by Carolyn Fox)
Cast Party announces new actual play podcast in partnership with ENWorld: https://cast-party.com/
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In Episode 44, the adventurers plan their escape from Elturel, and bid farewell to loyal friends.
Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape.
In a chonky August episode of Power Word TALk, Tal is joined by Deborah, Luke, and Matt to discuss the latest Dungeons & Dragons news, including One D&D, Unearthed Arcana: Character Origins, Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen, and D&D Japan. We also offer non-spoiler reviews of Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel, Dragons of Stormwreck Isle, and Spelljammer: Adventures in Space.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In Episode 43, the adventurers attempt to free Ulder Ravengard from the Helm of Torm’s Sight.
BulazauTanarukk
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In Episode 42, join us for a troubled night in the catacombs under High Hall Cathedral.
Ofelia Liadon in concert.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape.
Thanks to szegvari for the many wonderful and dark soundscapes they shared on freesound.org. Their work is helping to bring Avernus to life. Check out the rest of their compositions at https://freesound.org/people/szegvari/.
In the July episode of Power Word TALk, Tal is joined by an all-star panel of women (Bonnie Avery, Kristen Avery, Maria Contreras, Eileen Cruz, Sam Hogeweg, Deborah Paradise, Rachel Savicki, and Rachel Tamarin) to discuss their experiences with Dungeons & Dragons! We cover gender representation in official material, what it’s like to play at majority female and majority male tables, #allelveshaveboobs, and much more.
We also cover this month’s D&D news, including the Roll20/OneBookShelf merger, Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel, Spelljammer Academy, Unearthed Arcana, and the trailer for Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In Episode 41, the adventurers attempt to bring a stricken Ulder Ravengard to High Hall Cathedral.
A vrock.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 40, Gideon Lightward isn’t going to let our heroes just walk away from the Grand Cemetery.
Minotaur skeleton
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape.
Tal is joined by professional Dungeon Masters Matt Gordon and Rachel Savicki to answer your questions about professional dungeon mastery – scheduling, vetting, logistics, philosophy, safety tools, resources, fair rates, and whether we’re ruining the game for ourselves, for everyone else, or for nobody! We also cover this month’s D&D news: Satine Phoenix and Jamison Stone, Roll20/Dungeon Master’s Guild partnership, and much more!
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 39, the adventurers discover the source of the demon invasion in Elturel’s Grand Cemetery.
Theseus and the Minotaur in the Labyrinth (Edward Burne-Jones, 1861)
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 38, the adventurers explore the Grand Cemetery’s chapel in their search for Ulder Ravengard.
Undead swarm Elturel’s Grand Cemetery.
Dretch
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 37, the adventurers scour the Grand Cemetery in search of Ulder Ravengard.
Tal is joined by Matt Gordon, Luke McCormick, Deborah Paradise, and Rachel Savicki to discuss a TON of D&D news. We cover Monsters of the Multiverse, Volo’s and Mordenkainen’s de-listed on DNDBeyond, counterspell, Madness, changes to races and monsters, Spelljammer confirmed, D&D Digital Library, DNDBeyond giveaways, new starter set, Dragonlance, Legends of the Multiverse, Exandria Unlimited: Calamity, venture capital and pro DMing, and more!
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 36, the adventurers meet Sister Pherria Jynks and her band of survivors below High Hall Cathedral.
Tome of the Creed Resolute
The Creed Resolute (handout prop from Beadle & Grimm’s Platinum Edition of Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus)
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape.
Thanks to Arianna Ferrara Gennari for the use of her recording of Pater Noster.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 35, the adventurers descend into the catacombs below High Hall Cathedral in their search for survivors.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Thanks to szegvari for the many wonderful and dark soundscapes they shared on freesound.org. Their work is helping to bring Avernus to life. Check out the rest of their compositions at https://freesound.org/people/szegvari/.
Tal is joined by Dungeon Master’s Guild creators Sebastian Yue, Steve “Jaspor” Orr, Joe Raso, and Rachel Savicki. We have lots of advice for new creators who are getting started with developing and publishing their original content on Dungeon Master’s Guild. We discuss playtesting, editing, content choices, sourcing art and maps, marketing and much more. We also discuss a bunch of our favorite DMsGuild content by other creators. And we discuss Wizards of the Coast’s recent acquisition of DNDBeyond. An (incomplete) list of people and things we reference:
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 34, the adventurers search for survivors and battle fiends in High Hall Cathedral.
Thanks to szegvari for the many wonderful and dark soundscapes they shared on freesound.org. Their work is helping to bring Avernus to life. Check out the rest of their compositions at https://freesound.org/people/szegvari/.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 33, the adventurers reach High Hall Cathedral – but is it the safe haven they hoped for?
Thanks to szegvari for the many wonderful and dark soundscapes they shared on freesound.org. Their work is helping to bring Avernus to life. Check out the rest of their compositions at https://freesound.org/people/szegvari/.
Tal and Matt are joined by Andy Cannistra, Luke McCormick, and Rachel Savicki to discuss Dungeons & Dragons and kids – how running for children changes the game, as well as recommended tips, strategies, and adventures for kids’ games. Topics include No Thank You Evil, Humblewood, The Little Astralnaught by Anthony Joyce-Rivera, the PIP system, and more. We also cover the latest D&D news include Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel, upcoming design choices, and Critical Role news.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 32, the adventurers are caught in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse as they desperately try to escort a group of refugees to High Hall Cathedral.
Thanks to szegvari for the many wonderful and dark soundscapes they shared on freesound.org. Their work is helping to bring Avernus to life. Check out the rest of their compositions at https://freesound.org/people/szegvari/.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 31, the adventurers brave a deadly crossing of Torm’s Blade Bridge.
Thanks to szegvari for the many wonderful and dark soundscapes they shared on freesound.org. Their work is helping to bring Avernus to life. Check out the rest of their compositions at https://freesound.org/people/szegvari/.
In a episode that is sadly abbreviated by technical difficulties, Tal is joined by Amy, Rachel, Other Rachel, Kristen, and Deborah to discuss the latest Dungeons & Dragons news.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 30, the adventurers try to survive their first hours in Avernus.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 29, the adventurers go to hell.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are courtesy of Syrinscape, and others are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Griffon sounds by Pigeon and Ukraineparus Productions.
Cast Party’s monthly chat show has arrived in your feed! This month, Tal and Matt discuss the latest Dungeons & Dragons news, and what we expect, and would like, to see for D&D in 2022 and beyond.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 28, the adventurers fight to defend Little One, and consider a one-way trip to hell.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are courtesy of Syrinscape, and others are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Griffon sounds by Pigeon and Ukraineparus Productions.
A pit fiend; Gargauth the Hidden Lord’s true form.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 27, the adventurers are offered a fiendish bargain.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are courtesy of Syrinscape, and others are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Ba’atuz the imp
Pages from the research conducted at Candlekeep on the subjects of devils, Avernus, Zariel, and Soul Coins
Dungeon Master Matt and players Tal, Andy, Carrie, and Rachel answer the tough, bare-knuckled questions from each other and the listeners about the first 26 episodes of PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus.
This bonus podcast is the December 2021 episode of POWER WORD TALK, our live monthly chat show available to all the members of our free Discord server. You can join here: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/
PodCast Party takes a break from Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus for a year-end two-shot! THROUGH THE DEVIL’S VEINS is written and DMed by Tal Aviezer with regular players Andy Cannistra and Rachel Tamarin joined by special guests Amy Frey and Abby Wilde!
Some music and sound effects in this episode are courtesy of Syrinscape, and others are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Adventure map from Through the Devil’s Veins, by Carolyn Fox
PodCast Party takes a break from Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus for a year-end two-shot! THROUGH THE DEVIL’S VEINS is written and DMed by Tal Aviezer with regular players Andy Cannistra and Rachel Tamarin joined by special guests Amy Frey and Abby Wilde!
Some music and sound effects in this episode are courtesy of Syrinscape, and others are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In Episode 26, Sylvira Savikas opens the infernal puzzle box and reveals its secrets.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are courtesy of Syrinscape, and others are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
The contents of Thavius Kreeg’s mysterious puzzle box are revealed.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In Episode 25, the adventurers arrive at Candlekeep and decide the fate of Corbin’s sister.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In Episode 24, on the road to Candlekeep, Corbin’s past catches up to him – violently.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Painbearer Corbin Shiv (original artwork by Carolyn Fox).
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In Episode 23, the road from Baldur’s Gate leads south to Candlekeep, and a sage who can help unravel the secrets of the puzzle box.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Map of the Sword Coast, showing the route taken by the party during their journey south from Baldur’s Gate along the Coast Way to Candlekeep.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 22, the adventurers prepare to leave their home city of Baldur’s Gate, and we finally learn what really happened to Doctor Holk Thinster at Cliffgate Hospital.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 21, in the aftermath of the battle of Vanthampur Villa, the adventurers plan an escape from Baldur’s Gate.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 20, a climactic battle rages beneath Vanthampur Villa to determine the fate of Baldur’s Gate.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 19, the adventurers finally come face-to-face with Duke Thalamra Vanthampur, architect of the plot to drag the city of Baldur’s Gate into hell.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In Episode 18, the adventurers finally come face-to-face with Thavius Kreeg. Is he the savior of Baldur’s Gate – or its destroyer?
WIN A FREE ONLINE ADVENTURE
Come play with us! Enter our new contest & you might win a free online D&D game DMed by Cast Party for you and up to three friends! Click here to enter >>
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 17, the adventurers face infernal foes in the tunnels below Vanthampur Villa.
WIN A FREE ONLINE ADVENTURE
Come play with us! Enter our new contest & you might win a free online D&D game DMed by Cast Party for you and up to three friends! Click here to enter >>
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 16, the adventurers come face-to-face with Thurstwell Vanthampur and meet the Vanthampur’s very unusual house pet.
NAME AN NPC FOR A FUTURE EPISODE!
It’s time for the first-ever Cast Party fan competition! It’s your chance to name an original NPC to appear on PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus! Enter here for a chance to have your NPC go to hell with us.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Thurstwell Vanthampur and the infernal puzzle box.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 15, the adventurers infiltrate Vanthampur Villa in a desperate attempt to save Baldur’s Gate from a one-way trip to hell.
NAME AN NPC FOR A FUTURE EPISODE!
It’s time for the first-ever Cast Party fan competition! It’s your chance to name an original NPC to appear on PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus! Enter here for a chance to have your NPC go to hell with us.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 14, the adventurers pick up the pieces – literally – of their disastrous interview with Amrick Vanthampur – and meet a mysterious survivor from Elturel.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Reya Mantlemorn at the Low Lantern
The Shrine of the Suffering, as it appeared in the 1998 Baldur’s Gate computer game.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 13, the adventurers confront Amrick Vanthampur at the Low Lantern to learn what he knows about the crisis facing Baldur’s Gate.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 12, the adventurers follow the trail of the Vanthampur conspiracy to the lair of their erstwhile benefactor.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Amrick Vanthampur
A kenku
Level Up: Kenku
In this episode, the party meets some unusual bartenders at the Low Lantern. Kenku can mimic the sound of anything they hear. A kenku asking for money might make the sound of coins clinking together, and a kenku referring to a busy marketplace can reproduce the cacophony of hawking vendors, barking dogs, bleating sheep, and the cries of street urchins. When mimicking voices, they can only repeat words and phrases they have heard, not create new sentences. To converse with a kenku is to witness a performance of imitated sounds and almost nonsensical verse.
Kenku speak to one another in much the same way. Because they are adept at interpreting one another’s glances and gestures, the sounds they make to communicate complex ideas or emotions can be succinct. Groups of kenku also develop secret codes. For example, a cat’s meow might be the secret code for “Prepare to attack!” or “Flee for your lives!”
Their talent for mimicry extends to handwriting, and criminal organizations often employ kenku to forge documents. When a kenku commits a crime, it might forge evidence to implicate another creature.
You can make a kenku player character in Dungeons & Dragons 5E using rules found in Volo’s Guide to Monsters. In the third episode of Cast Party’s bonus Discord audio show, POWER WORD TALK, Tal Aviezer admits he is too intimidated to play a kenku.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In this episode, Hylan, Ofelia, and Corbin discover secrets – and keep a few of their own.
Interior of the Blade & Stars tavern, as it appeared in the 1998 computer game Baldur’s Gate.
Ofelia Liadon; original artwork by Carolyn Fox.
Hylan D’ore and Gregarious Nell; original artwork by Carolyn Fox.
Painbearer Corbin Shiv; original artwork by Carolyn Fox.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In this episode, the adventurers have escaped the Dungeon of the Dead Three – but was the raid a set up from the start? Plus, some of Renascence’s secrets revealed.
Tiamat, goddess of evil dragons.
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack.
Level Up: Why does Renascence have two names? In this episode, we learn that Renascence was renamed by his brother Tomas. The Player’s Handbook has this to say about tiefling names:
“Tiefling names fall into three broad categories. Tieflings born into another culture typically have names reflective of that culture. Some have names derived from the Infernal language, passed down through generations, that reflect their fiendish heritage. And some younger tieflings, striving to find a place in the world, adopt a name that signifies a virtue or other concept and then try to embody that concept. For some, the chosen name is a noble quest. For others, it’s a grim destiny.”
The book goes on to suggest some possible “Virtue Names” for players who choose this third naming convention for their tiefling characters: “Art, Carrion, Chant, Creed, Despair, Excellence, Fear, Glory, Hope, Ideal, Music, Nowhere, Open, Poetry, Quest, Random, Reverence, Sorrow, Temerity, Torment, Weary.”
Renascence is a real word. It is the rarely-used English form of Renaissance, and means “a new birth or life; a rebirth.” Both Renascence and his brother pronounce the word “incorrectly” because they learned it from a book and hadn’t heard it spoken aloud.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 9, Mortlock Vanthampur explains what’s REALLY going on in the Dungeon of the Dead Three – and the role his family has played.
Mortlock Vanthampur
Map of the Dungeon of the Dead Three – can you trace our route through episodes 3-9?
A dragon cultist, follower of Tiamat.
Dissonant Whispers music: From the Eventyrsuite (Fairy Tale Suite) for violin (1932) by Bjarne Brustad Played by violinist Carrie Rehkopf, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 8, the adventurers face the loss of one of their own beneath the streets of Baldur’s Gate.
A soul coin, courtesy of Beadle & Grimm’s Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus, Platinum Edition
For your consideration, below: the contract offered in this episode, in PDF form. Would you have signed it?
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 7, the adventurers approach the heart of the Dungeon of the Dead Three – but the mission takes a desperate and deadly turn.
Undead skeletons stalk the Dungeon of the Dead Three
Level Up: Death Saving Throws.
In Dungeons & Dragons, whenever a player starts their turn with 0 hit points, they must make a special saving throw, called a death saving throw, to determine whether they creep closer to death or hang onto life. Unlike other saving throws, this one isn’t tied to any ability score. You are in the hands of fate now, aided only by spells and features that improve your chances of succeeding on a saving throw.
Roll a d20. If the roll is 10 or higher, you succeed. Otherwise, you fail. A success or failure has no effect by itself. On your third success, you become stable (see below). On your third failure, you die. The successes and failures don’t need to be consecutive; keep track of both until you collect three of a kind. The number of both is reset to zero when you regain any hit points or become stable.
Rolling 1 or 20. When you make a death saving throw and roll a 1 on the d20, it counts as two failures. If you roll a 20 on the d20, you regain 1 hit point and become conscious.
Damage at 0 Hit Points. If you take any damage while you have 0 hit points, you suffer a death saving throw failure. If the damage is from a critical hit, you suffer two failures instead. If the damage equals or exceeds your hit point maximum, you suffer instant death.
Stabilizing a Creature
The best way to save a creature with 0 hit points is to heal it. If healing is unavailable, the creature can at least be stabilized so that it isn’t killed by a failed death saving throw.
You can use your action to administer first aid to an unconscious creature and attempt to stabilize it, which requires a successful DC 10 Wisdom (Medicine) check.
A stable creature doesn’t make death saving throws, even though it has 0 hit points, but it does remain unconscious. The creature stops being stable, and must start making death saving throws again, if it takes any damage. A stable creature that isn’t healed regains 1 hit point after 1d4 hours.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the planes-spanning Blood War. In Episode 6, the adventurers fight their way through the Dungeon of the Dead Three.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the planes-spanning Blood War. In Episode 5, the adventurers continue their raid on the Dungeon of the Dead Three.
Level Up: You’re Not Helping. Our campaign uses a house rule with regard to characters helping each other during skill checks. In standard Dungeons & Dragons 5E, characters can generally grant each other advantage on skill checks by taking the Help action. However, with our house rule, characters can only assist with a skill check if they are Proficient with that skill. When a character attempts to Help with a skill check, you may hear the Dungeon Master ask whether that character is “trained” or “proficient” with that skill. In the first part of this episode, Corbin, who is proficient with the Religion skill, helps Renascence to make a Religion check.
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the planes-spanning Blood War. In Episode 4, the adventurers explore a secret temple hidden in the sewers below Baldur’s Gate.
The symbol of Bane, God of Strife and Tyranny
Left to right: Necromite of Myrkul, Black Gauntlet of Bane, and Reaper of Bhaal
Level Up: Darkvision. In this episode, Corbin calls upon the power of his god, Ilmater, to help the adventurers see in the dark. He does this using a special ability granted to clerics of the Twilight Domain, introduced in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything:
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the planes-spanning Blood War. In episode 3, the adventurers continue their investigation into the cult of the Dead Three. But first they must survive a deadly fight with pirates at the Elfsong Tavern.
Map of Baldur’s Gate with the locations of Basilisk Gate, the Elfsong Tavern, and the Bathhouse.The insignia of the Flaming Fist, the mercenary police force in Baldur’s Gate.
Level Up: Why does Renascence have cantrips? Listeners may have noticed that Renascence uses the Guidance cantrip in this episode. In previous episodes, he has made liberal use of the Thaumaturgy cantrip, which he can use as a result of his fiendish tiefling heritage. But longtime D&D players may be wondering where his additional cantrips come from. Since the 5th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons was released in 2014, paladins have not had access to cantrips. But that changed in late 2020 with the release of Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, which included new Fighting Style Options for paladins. One of these options is “Blessed Warrior”, which allows the paladin to select two cleric cantrips:
…so Renascence has had the Thaumaturgy cantrip since level 1 because he’s a tiefling. At level 2, he chose the Blessed Warrior style and learned the Guidance cantrip…as well as one additional cantrip that will be revealed in Episode 4!
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the planes-spanning Blood War. In episode 2, the adventurers arrive at Elfsong Tavern to question a spy named Tarina about the cult of the Dead Three. But surprises both supernatural and extremely physical await.
Map of Baldur’s Gate with Basilisk Gate and the Elfsong Tavern
The Elfsong Tavern has appeared in many games! Here it is as depicted in the Baldur’s Gate computer game (1998, Bioware).And here’s the floorplan of the Elfsong in our campaign. Note that the layout used for the tavern here (created in 2019) is almost identical to the 1998 game!
“The Song of Elturel” heard in this episode was performed by Arianna Ferrara Gennari (used by permission). Thanks Arianna!
Welcome to Cast Party’s first actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the planes-spanning Blood War. Do the adventurers have what it takes to turn infernal war machines and nefarious contracts against the archdevil Zariel and her diabolical hordes? And can they ever hope to find their way home safely when pitted against the infinite evils of the Nine Hells?
Our story begins in the corrupt city of Baldur’s Gate
Cast Party 