Actual Play Entertainment

Shadowrun is a science fantasy tabletop role-playing game set in an alternate future in which cybernetics, magic and fantasy creatures co-exist. The game has gone through multiple variations and versions, since its first release in 1989, the latest "Sixth World" game system was published in 2019, by Catalyst Game Labs. It combines genres of cyberpunk, urban fantasy, and crime, with occasional elements of conspiracy, horror, and detective fiction. The system it directly evolved from is Shadowrun 5th Edition Description Shadowrun takes place several decades in the future (2050 in the first edition, currently 2088). The end of the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar ushered in the "Sixth World" with once-mythological beings (e.g. dragons) appearing and forms of magic suddenly emerging. Large numbers of humans have "Goblinized" into orks and trolls, while many human children are born as elves, dwarves, and even more exotic creatures. The Shadowrun world is cross-genre, incorporating elements of both cyberpunk and urban fantasy. Unlike in a purely cyberpunk game, in the Shadowrun world, magic exists and has "worked" since 2011. System Overview & Key Features The d6 Dice Pool The core resolution engine uses a massive pool of six sided dice. To attempt a test, a player adds their relevant Attribute and Skill together, then rolls that many dice. Every 5 or 6 rolled counts as a "hit" and players need to roll a certain number of hits to succeed. The Edge System In the Sixth World edition, Edge is a fluid tactical resource. Instead of tracking dozens of tiny situational modifiers, characters earn Edge points during a fight by having a superior position, better gear, or catching the enemy off guard. These points are spent immediately for rerolls or special combat actions. The Three Worlds The game takes place across three distinct layers of reality. Physical combat happens in meatspace, hackers project their consciousness into the virtual reality of the Matrix, and mages project their spirits into the magical Astral Plane. A well balanced team must handle threats from all three directions at once. Magic and Drain Spellcasters do not use spell slots. Instead, they can cast spells as often as they like, but channeling arcane energy takes a physical toll. Every time a spell is cast, the mage must resist "Drain" which can cause severe stun or physical damage if they are not careful. Additional links shadowrunsixthworld.com - Official Shadowrun website catalystgamelabs.com - Official Catalyst Game Labs website

The Stars Aren't Alright is a comedy/horror podcast, blending the Lovecraftian mythos with a far future, sci fi setting. The Keeper, Brian, uses the Call of Cthulhu TTRPG system to lead Alex, Catherine, Tom, and Leah through a series of mysterious events, unfolding into eldritch horror that stretches the character's sanity - and, in the end, learning that the true reality bending beings from outside time and space were the friends we made along the way.  (This podcast contains scenes of violence, adult language, and - if we did our jobs right - disturbing subject matter. Listener discretion is strongly advised.) Links youtube.com  - Youtube channel spotify.com  - Spotify feed patreon.com  - Patreon page discord.gg - Discord server

Pathbuilder 2e is the premier digital character builder and sheet for Pathfinder Second Edition. Created by David Wilson (Redrazors), it is celebrated for its speed, near-perfect rules accuracy, and its comprehensive support for the game’s vast library of content. In a significant move for 2025 and 2026, the app finally expanded beyond Android and Web to include a native iOS and iPadOS release, making it accessible across the entire mobile ecosystem. Description Pathbuilder 2e is the "gold standard" for Pathfinder players who want to navigate the system's deep customization without choice paralysis. It tracks every feat, spell, and proficiency bonus from level 1 to 20, ensuring that characters remain rules-legal at every step. While it lacks the high-budget "Nexus" features of competitors like Demiplane, its utility is unmatched; it allows for rapid "theory-crafting" of builds and exports directly to PDF or Foundry VTT. It is widely considered a mandatory tool for anyone playing PF2e regularly. System Overview & Key Features Comprehensive Rules Integration The app is updated with incredible speed, usually incorporating new Paizo releases—like the 2025/2026 Remastered books and playtests—within days of their launch. It includes every ancestry, class, and archetype available in the game, automatically filtering options based on what your character qualifies for. Level-Up Planning One of its most loved features is the ability to plan a character's entire progression ahead of time. You can select your feats for level 15 while your character is still level 1, creating a "roadmap" that makes leveling up during a session as simple as tapping a single button. Cloud Saving and Syncing For users who unlock the full version, Pathbuilder offers cloud storage via Google Drive. This allows you to start a build on your desktop browser during your lunch break and pull it up on your phone or tablet at the gaming table later that evening. Variant Rule Support The paid version unlocks support for popular optional rulesets, such as Free Archetype, Ancestry Paragon, and Gradual Ability Boosts. These toggles allow groups to use the most common community-standard house rules with zero manual math. Pet and Companion Management Managing familiars, animal companions, and eidolons is a core part of Pathfinder. Pathbuilder provides dedicated tabs for these entities (in the paid version), tracking their specific stats, barding, and special abilities alongside the main hero. VTT and PDF Export The app features a robust export system. You can generate a clean, official-looking PDF character sheet or use "JSON" exports to import your character directly into Foundry VTT or Roll20 using community-made modules, saving hours of data entry. Additional links pathbuilder2e.com - Official Web Application Android App iOS/iPadOS App