Episode 710: USS Self-Awareness
Topics discussed
Introduction and episode topics
Catronauts promotional segment
Welcome and show intro
Beat Analysis and the Gear Up phase
Player engagement and pacing in gear up
Tone, tension, and mechanical approaches
Intrinsic choices and low-stakes roleplay
Haggling, scams, and environmental exploration
Timing, gratification, and the Carouse rule
Plot hooks and setting exploration
Taming gear up and interweaving scenes
Pacing and moving shopping to the end
Merry Shire Detective Club introduction
Nations and Cannons Kickstarter promo
James Willing: Background and early career
Bankruptcy and the USS Rattletrap
River piracy and British response
New Orleans, Galvez, and political fallout
The Illinois campaign and capture
Exchange, retirement, and legacy
Adventure hooks from Willing's story
King in Yellow Tarot promo
Merry Shire Detective Club: Tone and genre
Scenarios and companion volume
Halflings, dwarves, and character roles
Pookas and eccentric characters
Gumshoe mechanics and combat tweaks
Bugs and Mushrooms ability
American Crisis: Dark and Bloody Ground promo
The Chinese Nostradamus: Introduction
Zhang Shichen's background and education
Teaching career and YouTube channel
Predictions and political commentary
Subscriber growth and higher forces
Conspiracy theories and debunking
Antisemitism accusations and red flags
Esoterist campaign applications
Closing remarks and credits
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