May 2020 - Outtakes, Chat, and Q&A

> "*Does Uno count as a ttrpg?*"
> ― Arson Nicki
>
>

**May 2020 - Outtakes, Chat, and Q&A** is a bonus episode of Queens of Adventure for patreon backers and the second in the monthly chat series.

## Summary

### Around the Mic

* DM Matt
* DM James
* Arson Nicki
* Fraya Love
* Irene Dubois
* Londyn Bradshaw

After a short introduction, the DMs play a few bloopers - including microphone checks, and an outtake from the recently released Arson and Fraya Read Reviews Youtube video.

### Chat

For the first half of the podcast, Matt and James review highlights from the last month including:

* Continuation of the Irene and Bosco backstory arc. They explain how only the first two episodes were originally planned until the chemistry was so good and there was a chance to explore further. This led to additional recording sessions with the pair. Also that the character of Komodo had to be revoiced to make him more distinct.
* The Queens of Adventure release of the NeoScum crossovers. Revealed that they split up the casts based on which people may play off each other the best with different styles. Also how Ganon Reedy made Matt think he was having a health emergency.
* May's Bonus episode of the Chicago cast show, and debate over whether June's will be the Seattle cast in Chicago live show.
* The updated website including Merchandise and Art sections.
* Critical Role's shout out of the podcast on their new youtube series: Critter Hug
* The release of the Arson & Fraya Respond to Reviews on Youtube.
* New Tavern of Trinket artifact Teapot of Truth released. The Portable Hole of Glory will be released next. Polls are out for choosing the next items, and another said that backers want a bonus episode featuring Booty and the Hofish.
* Work is underway in constructing socially distant isopods in Matt and James's apartment for future recordings. Submissions of names for the show will be used once recordings restart.

### Q&A

This month in addition to Matt and James, the queens (in social isolation) recorded answers to questions and sent them in.

**If the queens could change an established aspect of their character, what would it be?** - Cody Shipman. Matt and James explain that the characters were created for the queens after interviewing them about their fantasy likes and dislikes.

Arson: Would like to add strength and explore other pact books

Fraya: Thinks she may have chosen monk over cleric, but enjoys her cleric powers.

Irene: Would want to change intimidation modifier. Her instinct is to always intimidate, but almost always fails with her -1.

Londyn: Wants to wild shape less.

**What's the best thing you've learned from a bad job or situation? - siatabiri**

Arson: From the trial they learned that details matter. Also, writing things down and going over facts before decisions. Truth also can help you a lot.

Fraya: Everything I do has a chain of reactions.

Irene: Trust teammates.

Londyn: Tells a story about learning patience from a fast food job.

Matt: Recalls the bad rolls from the prep for the Frock Opera that led into funny outcomes. He learned how failures can lead to better stories.

**Who is everyone's favorite NPC so far? - Nathan**

Arson: Barb. He's the one who they cant figure out.

Fraya: Jim-Jim, Gnomi, and Throbardon (who made her love the aaracockra race)

Irene: Jort and what a disaster he is.

Londyn: Cher Noble

James: Someone not heard yet. One of Bosco's companions.

Matt: Mama Nomnoms (Mother Jort) and Cher Noble.

**How many sets of dice do you all have and do you rotate which ones you use?**

Arson, Fraya, and Londyn all have a gifted set from listener and friend of the show Refgemlin.

Matt and James: Tons. James prefers the bucket of dice approach, sorted by color for ease of novice players telling them apart. They also have a gift set from Wizards of the Coast and their set from Refgemlin. Matt has used his passion for organizers to sort them in a craft bin.

**Do you have any tips for groups of newbies, none of whom have practical experience?**

Arson: If there are lots of newer folks, an experienced DM who knows how to DM for newer players. Also to play the game as improv more than a numbers game. Commit to your character, fun and light.

Fraya: Dont do things because they are big and exciting because of the chains of reactions.

Irene: Trust your teammates and see what ideas they can come up with.

Londyn: Play with people you know well or can bond closely with.

Matt and James: While a group is required, it is easy to jump into. Friend of the podcast Bryan Wuest has gotten into Zoom games during shelter in place. They go over all of the available for free tools, the difference between Starter Kit and Essentials Kit. All that said, this show started with all new players, including Matt, so it is possible. James also mentions that local queen Frida Swahlo tweeted interest in learning to play, so looking into a how to play bonus episode is something they may look into.

**What other ttrpg games do you like to play or think have potential for lgbtq+ narratives?**

Arson: Not super well versed, but apparently there is a Buffy ttrpg.

Fraya: Wants to try NeoScum's game (Shadow Run).

Londyn: A Space/Time Continuum game from the makers of D&D she doesn't know the name of. (Possibly Gamma World)

Matt and James say there are a lot of great options for monster of the week style games. And most would afford for a queer narrative. Some are inclusive in source (Monster Heart and Glitter Heart), but you could always add your own in. Matt sites a D&D game they played on Twitch that James added more queer content to. The conversation diverges into Vampire: The Masquerade and the complex rules of vampire outings.

**No questions, but I love you all - Geccs**

 Arson awws. Fraya thanks everyone for all their followers.

Matt and James encourage listeners to let them know more questions on twitter, patreon, and discord.

## Behind the Queens

When discussing queer narrative possibilities in games, James suggests Sherlock Holmes and Matt laughs. This may be a reference to live streams Matt used to host, reading Holmes stories on twitch. Viewers would often joke about the queer subtext.