Power Word TALk: May 2023

Tal is joined by Deborah Paradise, Cast Party DM Rachel Savicki, and Young Dragonslayers founder Katie Lear to discuss D&D in the pandemic era. We talk about the ways in which Covid-19 changed the game for everyone, and for us personally. We also cover a bit of D&D news, including reshuffled release dates and a price increase for official D&D hardcovers, and a new actual play series coming this October from Cast Party.

A test run for Cast Party’s first-ever live event game, in February 2020.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Secrets of the Blind Palace PDF/Roll20 bundle on Dungeon Master’s Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/433764/Secrets-of-the-Blind-Palace-Roll20-and-PDF-BUNDLE-Roll20?affiliate_id=1137493

Watch PodCast Party: Memories of Holdenshire on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCNyWZYYTjL4uvAlOKalbaHnU48Tv65av

Young Dragonslayers official website: https://www.youngdragonslayers.com/

Rachel Savicki’s website: https://rachelwritesthings.com/

Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor Sourcebook: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/348164/Doctor-Who-The-Thirteenth-Doctor-Sourcebook?affiliate_id=1137493

Descent into Avernus Episode 61: Mirror, Mirror

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 61, the adventurers journey to the Mirror of Mephistar.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Mezzoloth

Play a free D&D game live in person with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

SECRETS OF THE BLIND PALACE PDF & Roll20 bundle: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/433764/Secrets-of-the-Blind-Palace-Roll20-and-PDF-BUNDLE?affiliate_id=1137493

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Descent into Avernus Episode 60: Uubelicious

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 60, the adventurers reach the obelisk and perform a strange ritual.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Play a free D&D game live in person with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

SECRETS OF THE BLIND PALACE PDF & Roll20 bundle: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/433764/Secrets-of-the-Blind-Palace-Roll20-and-PDF-BUNDLE?affiliate_id=1137493

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Descent into Avernus Episode 59: Baazit

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 59, the adventures discover the Pit of Shummrath.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Ultraloth

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

SECRETS OF THE BLIND PALACE now available for Roll20: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/433754/Secrets-of-the-Blind-Palace-Roll20?affiliate_id=1137493

SECRETS OF THE BLIND PALACE PDF & Roll20 bundle: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/433764/Secrets-of-the-Blind-Palace-Roll20-and-PDF-BUNDLE?affiliate_id=1137493

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Power Word TALk: April 2023

Tal is joined by Deborah, Luke, and Rachel for a Themberchaud-sized episode to discuss the latest D&D & TTRPG news, including: D&D Minecraft, the official D&D virtual tabletop, the D&D documentary, upcoming book releases, Tal’s hot take on the 1980s D&D cartoon, Honor Among Thieves reviews & box office news, the new core rules, One D&D is dead, long live One D&D, news from the D&D creative summit, and a recap of where the TTRPG industry now stands in the wake of OGLGate.

Jarnathan

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

SECRETS OF THE BLIND PALACE now available for Roll20: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/433754/Secrets-of-the-Blind-Palace-Roll20?affiliate_id=1137493

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Descent into Avernus Episode 58: Grandfather of Dragons

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 58, Hylan decides the fate of the Dragon Orb.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Play with us LIVE in a free game in NYC on April 23: https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Descent into Avernus Episode 57: Heads Will Roll

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 57, the adventurers explore the infernal pleasures and perils of the Wandering Emporium.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Abyssal chicken

Register for the Dungeon MasterClass at Hudson Valley Writers Center: https://www.writerscenter.org/calendar/ddmarch26/

Register for “Learn to Play Pathfinder 2E”: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Play with us LIVE in a free game in NYC on April 23: https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

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Descent into Avernus Episode 56: What You Desire Most

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 56, the adventurers search an infernal marketplace in their hunt for the Sword of Zariel.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Mahadi, proprietor of the Wandering Emporium

Register for the Dungeon MasterClass at Hudson Valley Writers Center: https://www.writerscenter.org/calendar/ddmarch19/

Register for “Learn to Play Pathfinder 2E”: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Power Word TALK March 2023: https://cast-party.com/2023/03/03/power-word-talk-march-2022-2/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Power Word TALk: March 2023

Tal is joined by Katie Lear, children’s therapist and founder of Young Dragonslayers (https://www.youngdragonslayers.com/) as well as school psychologist and behavior analyst (and D&D aficionado) Euric Guerrero to discuss how Dungeons & Dragons can play a role in therapy.

Therapist & Young Dragonslayers founder Katie Lear.

Harper’s Tale: A Forest Adventure Path for 5e – mentioned as an introductory adventure used by Katie Lear: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/311843/Harpers-Tale-A-Forest-Adventure-Path-for-5e

Register for “Learn to Play Pathfinder 2E”: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Register for the Dungeon MasterClass at Hudson Valley Writers Center: https://www.writerscenter.org/calendar/ddmarch19/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Descent into Avernus Episode 55: Tastes Like Chicken

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 55, the adventurers try to escape from Lilxori’s devils and their war machines across the blasted plains of Avernus.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Orb of Dragonkind

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Descent into Avernus Episode 54: Lilxori

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 54, the adventurers battle the mysterious cambion Lilxori and her infernal biker gang.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Descent into Avernus Episode 53: Uldrak’s Grave

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 53 – who is Uldrak. and can his blood save us?

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Power Word TALk: January 2023

Tal is joined by Matt, Rachel S., Deborah, and Luke to discuss predictions and hopes for D&D and the TTRPG space in 2023. We look back at our 2022 predictions, and also cover Dragonlance, the OGL crisis, OneD&D and the last full year of 5E, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, the 2023 D&D book release schedule, and more.

Cast Party’s statement on the OGL: https://cast-party.com/2023/01/12/dear-friends-dungeon-masters-and-players

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Memories of Holdenshire, Part 7: Finale

Welcome to the final episode of PodCast Party: Memories of Holdenshire, a limited series actual play podcast from Cast Party and EN Publishing. Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Savicki as we help introduce D&D 5E players to some of Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition’s new rules.

In Episode 7, the strangers must survive a final confrontation with the kalkoi cult who stole their memories and killed their friend.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Discover Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition: https://www.levelup5e.com/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Dear Friends, Dungeon Masters, and Players

By now, many of you will be aware of the ongoing controversy surrounding Dungeons & Dragons and the Open Gaming License (OGL). The OGL was created by Wizards of the Coast (the company that owns D&D, now a subsidiary of Hasbro) in 2000. It allows third party creators to make use of D&D’s basic rules, concepts, names, and systems in their own commercial products. Over the years, a lot of content has been released and shared using the OGL – by Wizards of the Coast and others. One document released under the OGL is the 5E System Reference Document (SRD), last updated in 2016 (available here).

For the past 23 years, the Open Gaming License has helped revitalize the game of Dungeons & Dragons and engendered a vibrant creative community, creating jobs, fostering talent, and enriching the TTRPG space with ideas.

In conjunction with the launch of OneD&D, Wizards of the Coast apparently intends to attempt to revoke the OGL as it currently stands, and replace it with a far more restrictive version that will be considered non-viable by most independent creators. By now, you may have heard the changes dissected and speculated about quite a bit.

If you would like a good general summary of the issues surrounding the OGL right now, we recommend this article: https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/gaming/how-dnd-open-gaming-license-changes-will-impact-other-ttrpgs/ar-AA164K6Z

…and also this video posted earlier this week by the Dungeon Dudes: https://youtu.be/szUnCuXVEJ8

Here is a lengthier piece in Vice:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/3ad9kn/dungeons-and-dragons-is-jeopardizing-its-greatest-strength-its-ubiquity

Cast Party and the OGL

We have received some questions from our audience about the ways in which the OGL does and doesn’t affect the things that we do as Cast Party.

The short answer is that the OGL has no direct effect on Cast Party’s activities. But there are certainly potential indirect effects, and we are concerned about how changes to the OGL will impact the tabletop roleplaying community as a whole.

In further detail, the OGL does not affect professional Dungeon Masters or game masters. It also does not affect actual play shows like our productions of PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus or PodCast Party: Memories of Holdenshire, and it does not affect shows like Power Word TALk, wherein we talk about issues affecting D&D and other tabletop role-playing games and related topics.

Cast Party’s Tal Aviezer and Andy Cannistra have created some original adventures and other material that has been published on Dungeon Masters Guild. Wizards of the Coast is the publisher for all products on Dungeon Masters Guild; these products operate under a separate license and do not use the OGL. Changes to the OGL will not affect products we have already published on Dungeon Masters Guild, nor will any future stuff we choose to publish there be affected.

So how COULD changes to the OGL effect Cast Party?

Cast Party is part of an ecosystem of independent creators who love Dungeons & Dragons, and whose work intertwines and supports one another. One example: our current PodCast Party: Memories of Holdenshire limited series is sponsored by EN Publishing, an independent TTRPG publisher which for the past 20 years has relied on the OGL to make their products possible. We have been grateful for their support. But EN Publishing and other indie creators, the creators and publishers and small businesses who are most likely to support and collaborate with Cast Party, are exactly the folks who will be hurt the most by these changes. Some of them, frankly, are going to close up shop if and when these changes to the OGL are executed by WotC. Others will scramble to adapt and survive in a very challenging and uncertain environment.

In short, de-authorizing the current OGL, and particularly the 5th Edition SRD, will very likely disrupt and shrink the entire TTRPG community. There will be fewer third party adventures, ideas, books, VTT products, and supplements. There will be fewer people working in the TTRPG space, period. Wizards of the Coast, frankly, will choke its own talent pipelines by forcing folks out of the industry. And players and DMs everywhere will flat-out have fewer options and resources when it comes to playing the game they love, Dungeons & Dragons.

The OGL brought us Pathfinder. It brought us Solasta. It brought us Kobold Press, Lord of the Rings RPG, Star Wars RPGs, Ghostfire Games, Frog God Games, Green Ronin, MCDM, EN Publishing, and so many others. The architects of 5th edition D&D learned their craft working for these and similar companies. Where will the future designers of D&D perfect their craft? If there is no OGL, and no potential to create and sell their own products, will the next upcoming group of game-changing Critical Role-calibur talent  decide it’s not even worth giving it a shot in the TTRPG space? Would D&D be as successful as it currently is without the contributions of third party creators, including Critical Role?

What will Cast Party do?

Like the entire TTRPG community, we are scrambling to navigate the potential changes. We love the game of Dungeons & Dragons and we’re going to keep playing it with you. However, in the year ahead, look for us to offer more play sessions featuring other independent TTRPG games in addition to D&D (as we have done with Blades in the Dark), and also look for us to collaborate with EN Publishing and other indie creators to showcase their work and products in ways that we think our audience will find entertaining, exciting, and fun.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this, and feel free to reach out to us at info@cast-party.com with any questions during this confusing time.

#OpenDnD.

Episode 52: Mordenkainen

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 52, Mordenkainen shares secrets of Avernus.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Memories of Holdenshire, Part 6: The Man in the Purple Cloak

Welcome to Episode 6 of PodCast Party: Memories of Holdenshire, a new limited series actual play podcast from Cast Party and EN Publishing. Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Savicki as we help introduce D&D 5E players to some of Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition’s new rules.

The four strangers finally track the mysterious cult to its headquarters – but will they arrive too late to save Belton Freedew?

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Discover Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition: https://www.levelup5e.com/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Power Word TALk: December 2022

Tal is joined by the entire crew from PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus to answer listener questions about year two of the show. Happy holidays!

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Email us to book a $60 one-shot adventure or ask a question for the year-end special: info@cast-party.com

Memories of Holdenshire, Part 5: Summer Festival

Welcome to Episode 5 of PodCast Party: Memories of Holdenshire, a new limited series actual play podcast from Cast Party and EN Publishing. Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Savicki as we help introduce D&D 5E players to some of Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition’s new rules.

Will the strangers get their memories back in time for the Summer Festival? More may depend on it than they realize.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Discover Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition: https://www.levelup5e.com/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Email us to book a $60 one-shot adventure: info@cast-party.com

Episode 51: Two Doors

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 51, adventurers battle the most deadly fiend they’ve ever encountered.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Email us to book a $60 one-shot adventure or ask a question for the year-end special: info@cast-party.com

Memories of Holdenshire, Part 4: Is it Cursed?

Welcome to Episode 4 of PodCast Party: Memories of Holdenshire, a new limited series actual play podcast from Cast Party and EN Publishing. Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Savicki as we help introduce D&D 5E players to some of Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition’s new rules.

The adventurers explore the town of Hengistbury, hoping to unravel the mystery of their missing memories.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Discover Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition: https://www.levelup5e.com/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Email us to book a $60 one-shot adventure or ask a question for the year-end special: info@cast-party.com

Power Word TALk: November 2022

Tal gets together with a group of players from one of Cast Party’s professionally-DMed D&D campaigns to discuss their experiences playing the official 5th Edition adventure Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden, which recently concluded after 20 months of play. We talk about what we loved, what confused us, and offer advice for DMs interested in running this campaign.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Email us to book a $60 one-shot adventure or ask a question for the year-end special: info@cast-party.com

Episode 50: The Demon Zapper

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 50, the adventurers face Haruman, herald of Zariel.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Email us to book a $60 one-shot adventure or ask a question for the year-end special: info@cast-party.com

Memories of Holdenshire, Part 3: Granny Appleseed

Welcome to Episode 3 of PodCast Party: Memories of Holdenshire, a new limited series actual play podcast from Cast Party and EN Publishing. Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Savicki as we help introduce D&D 5E players to some of Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition’s new rules.

Wanted for crimes they can’t remember committing, four strangers make a desperate bid to escape the city of Northminster in a stolen wagon.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Discover Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition: https://www.levelup5e.com/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Email us to book a $60 one-shot adventure or ask a question for the year-end special: info@cast-party.com

Episode 49: Haruman’s Hill

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 49, the adventurers scour Haruman’s Hill for Zariel’s sword.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Email us to book a $60 one-shot adventure or ask a question for the year-end special: info@cast-party.com

Memories of Holdenshire, Part 2: Are We Doing Crimes?

Welcome to Episode 2 of PodCast Party: Memories of Holdenshire, a new limited series actual play podcast from Cast Party and EN Publishing. Dungeon Master Matt Gordon will lead Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Savicki as we help introduce D&D 5E players to some of Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition’s new rules.

After learning that they’re wanted criminals, the adventurers are obliged to act the part if they want to avoid arrest for crimes they can’t remember committing.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Discover Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition: https://www.levelup5e.com/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 48: Punch It, Wyzen

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 48, Lulu’s dreams reveal deadly secrets about Zariel, her sword, and the Hellriders.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Email us to book a $60 one-shot adventure or ask a question for the year-end special: info@cast-party.com

Memories of Holdenshire Part 1: You’re Free

Welcome to PodCast Party: Memories of Holdenshire, a new limited series actual play podcast from Cast Party and EN Publishing. Dungeon Master Matt Gordon will lead Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Savicki as we help introduce D&D 5E players to some of Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition’s new rules.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Discover Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition: https://www.levelup5e.com/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 47: Raggadragga

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 47, an Avernian warlord is attacking Fort Knucklebone.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Raggadragga and his wererats attack Fort Knucklebone

Cast Party announces new actual play podcast in partnership with ENWorld: https://cast-party.com/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Power Word TALk: October 2022

It’s a spooktacular episode from the crypt – we mean vault. Just in time for Halloween, Tal is joined by Matt Gordon and Rachel Tamarin to discuss one of our favorite D&D 5E adventures, Curse of Strahd!

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Episode 46: Mad Maggie

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 46, the adventurers attempt to kill Mad Maggie, rescue her mechanic, and escape Fort Knucklebone.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack and freesound.org.

Infernal war machine approaching Fort Knucklebone (via Midjourney).

Cast Party announces new actual play podcast in partnership with ENWorld: https://cast-party.com/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Power Word Talk: September 2022

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!

Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition: https://www.levelup5e.com/

Level Up: A5E sponsors actual play shows: https://www.levelup5e.com/news/sponsored-level-up-advanced-5th-edition-actual-plays

Level Up: A5E rules online: https://a5e.tools/

Dungeon Delver’s Guide on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/enworld/dungeon-delvers-guide-a-sourcebook-for-5e-and-a5e

Paid playtesting application for Void Runner’s Codex: https://www.levelup5e.com/play-testing

Publishing content for Level Up: A5E: https://www.levelup5e.com/publish

Episode 45: Fort Knucklebone

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/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

The Radiance Adventure engine on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oddfishgames/the-radiance-adventure-engine/description

Episode 44: Farewellturel

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.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Power Word TALk: August 2022

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.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 43: The Ritual

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.

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Episode 42: Glory

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.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

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/.

Power Word TALk: July 2022

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.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Eileen Cruz’s work:

https://oddfishgames.com/pages/radiance-adventure-engine/

https://eileenaf.com/ 

Bonnie Avery’s work:

https://bonnie-avery.squarespace.com

 https://www.instagram.com/bonbonbonno/?hl=en

Paul Bimler’s solo adventures on Dungeon Master’s Guild:

https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=5E%20Solo%20Gamebooks

Episode 41: For Those About to Vrock

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.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Episode 40: Showdown at the Grand Cemetery

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.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Power Word TALk: June 2022

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!

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 39: Corbin Saves Our Asses

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.

Lulu’s Trumpet of Sparkles sound courtesy of YleArkisto on freesound.org
https://freesound.org/people/YleArkisto/sounds/369610/
Yle Finland / Tehostearkisto / Soundfx-archive
Aika/Date: 1995
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Watch PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Episode 38: Total Drechimation

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.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 37: Lightward

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.

Gideon Lightward

Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape. Pinball machine sound courtesy of theshaggyfreak on freesound.org.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode
https://freesound.org/people/theshaggyfreak/sounds/404144/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Power Word Talk: May 2022

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!

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 36: Bad Dreams and Holy Water

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.

Enter to win a personalized audio message from Painbearer Corbin Shiv: https://gleam.io/d3eoK/cast-party-get-a-custom-message-from-painbearer-corbin-shiv

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 35: Sanctuary

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.

Enter to win a personalized audio message from Painbearer Corbin Shiv: https://gleam.io/d3eoK/cast-party-get-a-custom-message-from-painbearer-corbin-shiv

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

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/.

Power Word Talk: April 2022

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:

Lake of Secrets: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/319812/Lake-of-Secrets?affiliate_id=1137493

Puzzles, Predicaments and Perplexities: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/278936/Puzzles-Predicaments-and-Perplexities?affiliate_id=1137493

How the Lich Stole Christmas: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/297220/How-The-Lich-Stole-Christmas?affiliate_id=1137493

Amongst Thou: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/338862/Amongst-Thou?affiliate_id=1137493

Acererak’s Collection of Complex Traps: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/370803/Acereraks-Collection-of-Complex-Traps?affiliate_id=1137493

Rashemen – Campaign Guide: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/370425/Rashemen–Campaign-Guide?affiliate_id=1137493

Volo’s Vetted Vendors: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/390687/Volos-Vetted-Vendors–20-shops–shopkeepers?affiliate_id=1137493

Secrets of the Blind Palace: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/267835/Secrets-of-the-Blind-Palace?affiliate_id=1137493

The Brewski Jubilee: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/323223/The-Brewski-Jubilee?affiliate_id=1137493

Simple 5E Microsoft Word Template & Beginner’s Guide: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/311458/Simple-5E-Microsoft-Word-Template–Beginners-Guide?affiliate_id=1137493

Return of the Azure Bonds: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/378186/Return-of-the-Azure-Bonds?affiliate_id=1137493

Dungeon of the Mad Mage Companion: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/311108/DotMM-Companion-Complete-Edition?affiliate_id=1137493

Lost Treasures of Sir Canard: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/394126/The-Lost-Treasures-of-Sir-Canard?affiliate_id=1137493

The Dragon Witch of Rashemen: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/388515/The-Dragon-Witch-of-Rashemen?affiliate_id=1137493

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 34: Damage is Damage

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.

High Hall Cathedral

Enter to win a personalized audio message from Painbearer Corbin Shiv: https://gleam.io/d3eoK/cast-party-get-a-custom-message-from-painbearer-corbin-shiv

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

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/.

Episode 33: High Hall

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?

Hell hound

Enter to win a free copy of Acererak’s Collection of Complex Traps: https://gleam.io/ZHRCf/cast-party-dms-guild-giveaway-acereraks-collection-of-complex-traps

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

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/.

Pipe organ chord by SoundsLikeJoe on freesound.org:
https://freesound.org/people/SoundsLikeJoe/sounds/612075/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode
Contact via https://soundslikejoe.com

Power Word Talk: March 2022

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.

Dungeon Master’s Guild Charity Mega-Bundles to Support Doctors Without Borders Ukraine: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/389860/Doctors-Without-Borders-MEGABUNDLE-2-BUNDLE

Enter to win a free copy of Acererak’s Collection of Complex Traps: https://gleam.io/ZHRCf/cast-party-dms-guild-giveaway-acereraks-collection-of-complex-traps

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 32: Moonbeam

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.

The narzugon

Donate to Doctors Without Borders Ukraine: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/where-we-work/ukraine

Dungeon Master’s Guild Charity Mega-Bundles to Support Doctors Without Borders Ukraine: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/389860/Doctors-Without-Borders-MEGABUNDLE-2-BUNDLE

Enter to win a free copy of Acererak’s Collection of Complex Traps: https://gleam.io/ZHRCf/cast-party-dms-guild-giveaway-acereraks-collection-of-complex-traps

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

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/.

Episode 31: Glaive and a Haircut

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.

Torm’s Blade Bridge, courtesy of Cyrens Maps

Enter to win a free copy of Acererak’s Collection of Complex Traps: https://gleam.io/ZHRCf/cast-party-dms-guild-giveaway-acereraks-collection-of-complex-traps

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

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/.

Power Word Talk: February 2022

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.

Dungeons & Dragons at Antoinette’s: Secrets of the Blind Palace (1 ticket left!): https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Play an online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 30: Hellturel

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.

Dungeons & Dragons at Antoinette’s: Secrets of the Blind Palace (1 ticket left!): https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Enter to win a free copy of Acererak’s Collection of Complex Traps: https://gleam.io/ZHRCf/cast-party-dms-guild-giveaway-acereraks-collection-of-complex-traps

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 29: Plane Shift

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.

Lulu.

Dungeons & Dragons at Antoinette’s: Secrets of the Blind Palace (1 ticket left!): https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Enter to win a free copy of Acererak’s Collection of Complex Traps: https://gleam.io/ZHRCf/cast-party-dms-guild-giveaway-acereraks-collection-of-complex-traps

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Power Word Talk: The Future of D&D

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.

Dungeons & Dragons at Antoinette’s: Secrets of the Blind Palace (1 ticket left!): https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Play an online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 28: Face Off

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.

Dungeons & Dragons at Antoinette’s: Secrets of the Blind Palace (1 ticket left!): https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 27: The Hells and the Hearth

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

Dungeons & Dragons at Antoinette’s: Secrets of the Blind Palace (1 ticket left!): https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

PodCast Party on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNc-RvkjNPxOVSfjud4RYA/videos

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Bonus Episode: Year One in Review

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/

Holiday Special: Through the Devil’s Veins 2 of 2

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

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

ENCOUNTERS IN THE SAVAGE UNDERDARK on Dungeon Master’s Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/303303/Encounters-in-the-Savage-Underdark?affiliate_id=1137493

PodCast Party: Descent into Avernus on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ygDaSh9PR4M

Holiday Special: Through The Devil’s Veins 1 of 2

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.

Nomi Sparruk and her mud mephit, Bill.

Enter for a chance to win a free copy of the best-selling adventure SECRETS OF THE BLIND PALACE: https://gleam.io/MqUQ0/cast-party-dms-guild-giveaway

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

ENCOUNTERS IN THE SAVAGE UNDERDARK on Dungeon Master’s Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/303303/Encounters-in-the-Savage-Underdark?affiliate_id=1137493

Episode 26: The Creed Resolute

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.
A quasit.
Map of Avernus

Enter for a chance to win a free copy of the best-selling adventure SECRETS OF THE BLIND PALACE: https://gleam.io/MqUQ0/cast-party-dms-guild-giveaway

Book a live Cast Party D&D event at Antoinette’s Patisserie: https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 25: Irony

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.

The sound of the moving wagon was made by
Martineerok. Please check out the link below for more of their work:
https://freesound.org/people/Martineerok/sounds/486410/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

Candlekeep

Enter for a chance to win a free copy of the best-selling adventure SECRETS OF THE BLIND PALACE: https://gleam.io/MqUQ0/cast-party-dms-guild-giveaway

Book a live Cast Party D&D event at Antoinette’s Patisserie: https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 24: Parkour-bin

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).
Deghok

Book a live Cast Party D&D event at Antoinette’s Patisserie: https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

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Episode 23: The Road 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 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.

Book at live Cast Party D&D event at Antoinette’s Patisserie: https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 22: Little Calimshan

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.

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 21: Heavensfall

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.

Commander Liara Portyr

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

New on Dungeon Master’s Guild: Acererak’s Collection of Complex Traps: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/370803/Acereraks-Collection-of-Complex-Traps?affiliate_id=1137493

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 20: Double Kill

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.

Odious, the barbed devil

Live event: Dungeons & Dragons at Antoinette’s on 10/23 (2 tix left): https://cast-party.com/live-events/

Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeon Master: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

Play SECRETS OF THE BLIND PALACE online with author Tal Aviezer as a Halloween adventure for your group: https://cast-party.com/play-dd-online-with-cast-party/

New on Dungeon Master’s Guild: Acererak’s Collection of Complex Traps: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/370803/Acereraks-Collection-of-Complex-Traps?affiliate_id=1137493

Join us on Discord, follow us on social media, join our email list: https://cast-party.com/sign-up-for-news/

Episode 19: Gargs

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.

Duke Thalamra Vanthampur

Episode 18: I, Thavius

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.

Thavius Kreeg
The Shield of the Hidden Lord

Episode 17: Falaster Fisk

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.

Falaster Fisk

Episode 16: Slobberchops

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.
Slobberchops the tressym

Episode 15: The Vanthampening

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.

Episode 14: The Girl Who Lived

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.
Map of Baldur’s Gate

Episode 13: My Dinner with Amrick

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.

A spined devil
Map of the Low Lantern

Episode 12: The Low Lantern

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.

Episode 11: The Druid, the Doctor, and the Divine

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.

Episode 10: The Seer

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.

The name was inspired by a 1917 poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

Episode 9: My Brother’s Keeper

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

Vicious Mockery music:
“Whiskey, you’re the devil” 
 Uploaded by: Roger Zenner 
Played by: Edit Kovács *Instrument: Violin 
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en

Partita No.3 J.S.Bach (Minuet_1) by Vicond
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:GNU_Free_Documentation_License,_version_1.2

Episode 8: The Choice

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?

Episode 7: Dark Waters

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.

Magic sparkle sound effect by YleArkisto at freesound.org
Used under the Attribution 3.0 license:
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

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.

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.

Episode 6: Choke Point

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.

Initiative sound effect by Humanoide9000 (Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LuisHumanoide.)

Used under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

A zombie; one of the less fortunate denizens of the Dungeon of the Dead Three.

Episode 5: Fun Volcano of Blood

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.

Initiative sound effect by Humanoide9000 (Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LuisHumanoide.) Used under the Creative Commons Attribution license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

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.

Episode 4: Into the Depths

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.

A black hand, the symbol of Bane
The symbol of Bane, God of Strife and Tyranny
From L to R: A white-haired priest in ragged robes holds a skull dangling from a chain. A mailed warrior with an eye-patch wields a morning star and a shield. A black-robed figure holds a curved dagger.
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:

Description of the Eyes of Night domain feature granted to Twilight Clerics. These clerics have 300 feet of dark vision, and can share that ability with allies for one hour, once per long rest.

Episode 3: For Mom!

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!

Episode 2: Dead-Eye

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
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!

Lyrics (by M.T. Black):

O sing a song of Elturel

Of water, woods, and hill

The sun dawns on her ruddy cliffs

And fields green and still.

This land of long-abiding joy

Home of the strong and brave

Renowned by all, across the realms,

And never once a slave.

O sing a song of Elturel

When foes are at her door

Her fields torn by cloven feet

From some infernal shore.

Arise the mighty Hellriders

Take up your swift, keen swords

Then charge into the hellish fray

And scatter devil hordes.

O sing a song of Elturel

And when the night does fall

Sleep safe beneath Companion’s light

Until the dawn does call.

We’re bound by mortal covenant

That only ends with death

And so we’ll sing of Elturel

Until our final breath.

Episode 1: The Gate

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
Corbin, Hylan, Ofelia, and Renascence
Map of Baldur’s Gate