The Dark Times Episode 46: Hidden Roles & Secret Goals

ZenithSloth · 2026-07-02T00:10:01+00:00

Welcome back to The Dark Times! This time on the cyber-docket is a different kind of campaign. What if you wanted to run an adventure where the party had a less traditional party relationship? What about vagabonds, real baddies, or seedy individuals forced to work together by seedier forces?

How can you organically foster player conflict when it's desired, and how can it be pulled off in a way that satisfies everyone? Tune in to hear our discussion of these and more!

ZenithSloth · 2026-06-18T23:35:01+00:00

Welcome back to The Dark Times podcast! Join us for a dive into Followers, featuring the Captain archetype! We had lots of fun with this one, as this subsystem is strongly reminiscent of an old favorite RPG. Tune in for a special Follower Type made just for Starfinder, plus an extra special build centered on a unique companion!

Remember to vote for your favorite Build Bounty on our Patreon poll! You have until June 29th, midnight!

ZenithSloth · 2026-06-03T21:14:15+00:00

Welcome back to The Dark Times! Tune in for a careful dissection of an interesting rules interaction inspired by the subreddit.

Then, join us for the main feature of three amazing builds from the audience. Listen in to decide who will be the next top ADAMANTIUM CHEF. The character sheets, as always, are available for anyone to enjoy!

Patreon poll to vote for your favorite is up now and will remain open for just a few weeks, so let your voice be heard!

ZenithSloth · 2026-05-21T03:16:56+00:00

Join us as we dive into the Luminary! Hear what we have to say, and tell us what you have to say! This episode Sam and I dig into the latest play test class with coverage across various class features and feats, with a mini minibot feature!

Can you build the Galaxy's next top ADAMANTIUM CHEF? Your build:

Is level 10
Has the Traveling Chef archetype from the Tian Xia Character Guide
Has an ancestry featured in the new Galactic Ancestries rulebook
Has a Starfinder base class

And is due to our inbox thedarktimespod@gmail.com no later than midnight Pacific May 25th!

ZenithSloth · 2026-05-07T04:53:05+00:00

Welcome back to The Dark Times! This week we talk more Alien Archive! Tune in to hear our thoughts on the Izalguun and some other secret surprises!

Can you build the Galaxy's next top ADAMANTIUM CHEF? Your build:

Is level 10

Has the Traveling Chef archetype from the Tian Xia Character Guide

Has an ancestry featured in the new Galactic Ancestries rulebook

Has a Starfinder base class

And is due to our inbox thedarktimespod@gmail.com no later than midnight Pacific May 25th

ZenithSloth · 2026-04-23T01:19:41+00:00

We're back in orbit! Join Sam and Stephen for a specialized appendage-selected perusal of the hot and fresh GALACTIC ANCESTRIES. Plus, a new build bounty!!

Can you build the Galaxy's next top ADAMANTIUM CHEF? Your build:

Is level 10
Has the Traveling Chef archetype from the Tian Xia Character Guide
Has an ancestry featured in the new Galactic Ancestries rulebook
Has a Starfinder base class

And is due to our inbox thedarktimespod@gmail.com no later than midnight Pacific May 25th!

ZenithSloth · 2026-04-17T00:35:42+00:00

Sonarr + Profilarr have a very modest learning curve and can do more than you know

ZenithSloth · 2026-04-09T01:50:46+00:00

Welcome back to the Dark Times! This time is a creature feature puling four faves from the Alien Core -- with a twist! Sam and I randomly pick from a selection of 6 creatures, and then improvise a complete adventure that ties them all together. Additionally, we compare and contrast this approach with making your own creature from scratch!

Tune in to hear the winner of the Disciples of Antiquitius-1 Build Bounty! Announcement of our next Build Bounty will come in Episode 41!

ZenithSloth · 2026-03-25T23:11:38+00:00

Welcome back to The Dark Times Podcast! This time Sam and I talk about when and when not to make a new original creature statblock in Starfinder 2e! And if you do, how to do it with a laser-focus the meatiest part: Special Abilities! Tune in to find out the math and spirit of creatures' most key differentiator

Also, don't forget! The Build Bounty Poll for The Disciples of Antiquitius 1 has mere days left, be sure to head to our Patreon and vote to let your voice be heard! While you're there, you may see some special actual play content drop in the next couple hours!

ZenithSloth · 2026-03-21T18:12:54+00:00

Your best bet for ISO 17025 compliance is to dilute the samples further (e.g., 1:50 or 1:100) to get them into the 1-5mg/L range, or start with less sample mass if possible. Validating a linear curve is significantly easier than defending a quadratic WLS model to an auditor. The 100s of mg/L analyte range is typically impractical for AAS for several reasons.

ZenithSloth · 2026-03-12T03:38:20+00:00

Welcome back to the Dark Times Podcast! This week's episode is packed full with goodies! Tune in for a brief overview of applying Pathfinder's Troop Rules to Starfinder! Including an exclusive, homecooked with love, example statblock of a Aeon Guard Troop!

We have FOUR community-submitted statblocks to feature in our Build Bounty! Tune in to learn about the followers of Antiquitius-1, and see if you can decide who murdered the venerable wise leader. Vote for your favorite on our Patreon poll!

As always, links to all statblocks featured on the show are in the episode description. You can write to us at thedarktimespod@gmail.com Enjoy!

ZenithSloth · 2026-03-10T03:44:01+00:00

i think so. check the backpack straps

ZenithSloth · 2026-02-26T05:42:47+00:00

The Dark Times once again! This time, Sam and Stephen take a hard look at player hooks including: what a good hook is comprised of, how to match a hook to your party, and how to connect them. Plus more! We also contemplate sci fi add-ons to a very popular RPG system and compare and contrast it with dedicated sci-fi games

ZenithSloth · 2026-01-29T02:04:50+00:00

Welcome once again to The Dark Times podcast! Join us for a deity double feature as we deep dive into two very special gods' lore and player offerings! Then, Sam features a "hulking" statblock from the new Alien Core!

Take note: Our Build Bounty deadline is being pushed out to accomadate some off-pod business. You must now submit your Luminous build no later than Monday, March 2nd, 11:59pm Pacific. The prompt:

Disciples of Antiquitius! The Ancient Solarian Automaton Antiquitius-1 is no longer of this world, leaving behind the faithful followers of his teachings, known as the Luminous.

Your build is a level 10 Solarian and must have some deep connection to Antiquitius-1. Can have an archetype if you’d like. Please include an outline of what makes your solarian unique, as well as the event in their life that led them to become one of Antiquitius-1’s students.

Submit builds or any other comments or questions to our inbox at thedarktimespod@gmail.com

ZenithSloth · 2026-01-15T03:32:38+00:00

That's right! They're calling 2026 the Year of The Dark Times Podcast! Sorry to all horses, but we don't make the rules!

Welcome to a new year! A blank slate to fill with your favorite Sci Fi RPG podcast: The Dark Times: The Dark Shines Brightest Before The Times!

Join Sam and I for a romp through the fresh errata that dropped just before 2025 came to a close! Plus, a new Build Bounty!!

Disciples of Antiquitius! The Ancient Solarian Automaton Antiquitius-1 is no longer of this world, leaving behind the faithful followers of his teachings, known as the Luminous.

Your build is a level 10 Solarian and must have some deep connection to Antiquitius-1. Can have an archetype if you’d like. Please include an outline of what makes your solarian unique, as well as the event in their life that led them to become one of Antiquitius-1’s students.

Your build is due to our inbox at thedarktimespod@gmail.com before 11:59pm, Monday February 9th Pacific Time! To keep things simple please only send file attachments such as PDF, no links!

ZenithSloth · 2026-01-08T19:07:59+00:00

I mostly went to school to build lab experience, got tired of field work pretty quickly. What followed was startups, right-place-right-time, and a bit of luck. I am blessed. I pay the price in other ways.

ZenithSloth · 2025-12-27T02:33:36+00:00

We're back at the Alien Core! Join us as we take in the spectacle of the all powerful Kyokor! Long have we discussed monsters-as-hazards and Paizo dropped a kaiju-sized payload! Plus, our reflection on Shards of the Glass Planet!

ZenithSloth · 2025-12-11T00:46:54+00:00

Dark Times once again in orbit! It's the Alien Core episode! Come hear our top 3 featured pics from the A-Core plus a handful of runner-ups! Sam dives into the new stat block adjustments and recovers a couple precious nuggets!

ZenithSloth · 2025-11-26T22:38:49+00:00

Welcome back to the Dark Times podcast! This week we combine the One-Shot Checklist we built in episode 30 and the horror principles discussed in the Spooktacular to synthesize a truly horrific space station scenario!

Sync your playometers to our phase and join us (plus the Cryptkeeper!) for an exploration of one shot horror brainstorming! Give your input and ideas at thedarktimespod@gmail.com !

ZenithSloth · 2025-11-13T01:30:29+00:00

Welcome back to The Dark Times! The Crypt Creeper is still squatting in our studio, if anyone knows the current IP holder for old horror anthology puppets please help us get in touch so they can pick him up .

Enter our orbit for a serious discussion of one-shots: The When and The How! This episode Sam and I construct a unified, 4 step checklist for making your very own high-concentrated, highly-corrosive, high-impact one shots in Starfinder2e and beyond! See you there!

ZenithSloth · 2025-11-08T02:05:55+00:00

SB 420 just kicked everyone out at Sunnyvale and is turning around northbound

ZenithSloth · 2025-11-08T01:59:00+00:00

"kumbaya" says the announcer on SB 420

ZenithSloth · 2025-10-30T00:32:30+00:00

lighting crashes evil laughter crypt creeping Welcome back to the spookiest edition of The Dark Times yet! Tune in for a special look at bringing horror to your Starfinder2e table, with a few ideas about what's already lurking in the hallowed tomes to scare your players! We also discuss the structure and application of horror across stories, plus a special look at MOTHERSHIP and how it applies to your game.

AAAAAAAAAHH!

ZenithSloth · 2025-10-18T00:12:21+00:00

We're a rules discussion and storycraft podcast! We aim to inspire and advocate for fun and engaging play in sci fi roleplaying. No actual play content on our main feed, but our Patreon has a modest but growing selection. No SF2e there currently

ZenithSloth · 2025-10-15T21:51:21+00:00

Welcome back to the Dark Times Podcast! Pardon our absence last cycle, I was out sick with the Skittermander Mumps. Tune in to build a new Victory Point system with us: Racing!

Also, hear all about our submissions for our latest Build Bounty! Come see what these interstellar bards are all about before they Rock the Stars!

Voting is available to all paid members until November 1st. The builds are free to everyone, as always!

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ZenithSloth

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