Trailblazer Academy: Recent Episodes
Caleb Garofalo
Detailed overview of the 1E Monk class published in the Core Rulebook.
Caleb's audio may sound strange due to him using a new mic he had incorrectly configured. Future episodes will not have this problem.
This episode covers the differences between being a player and acting as a character. Featuring the late Geoff 'iNcontroL' Robinson.
Detailed overview of the Lizardfolk race (also known as Iruxi) published in Lost Omens: Character Guide (2E).
This episode is a must-listen for any first-time Pathfinder 2E players. Professors Caleb and Rob go over the basic mechanics of the game with something for new and knowledgeable players alike.
This episode covers the differences between good and bad metagaming. Featuring special guest Marcus 'djWHEAT' Graham, Head of Creator Development at Twitch.
Visit djWHEAT's twitch channel here: https://www.twitch.tv/djwheat
We're out of Hiatus! We've renamed the podcast Trailblazer Academy and new episodes will be coming out for both 1st and 2nd edition, alongside remasters of our back catalog!
This episode reviews the Advanced Player's Guide (1E).
There is a clean version of this episode on this feed as well, should you prefer that.
This episode reviews the Advanced Player's Guide (1E).
This is a clean version of this episode. You can find the full episode with 40 minutes of additional content on this feed.
This episode covers ideas on how to utilize comedy in your game. Featuring Brockett Vola & Dan Hall from the Biggest Fan Podcast. This episode had to be recorded via Skype and all on one track, as such there is reduced audio quality - our apologies.
Detailed overview of the 1E Rogue class published in the Core Rulebook. Featuring Dan Tharp from Paizo.
This episode covers the 3rd party 1E book Ultimate Psionics published by Dreamscarred Press.
This episode was sponsored. Want to sponsor an episode? Visit http://www.tblazer.net/sponsor-an-episode for details.
After having a lot of experience with the Pathfinder 2nd Edition Playtest we're ready to give you our feedback on the playtest system. From playing through and GMing the entire Playtest Adventure Path Doomsday Dawn on the feedback schedule, to GMing our own home games afterword, we spent a lot of time with the system.
We will be discussing the system at it's most current updated state (1.6). This episode was recorded on 12/19.
Join us as we celebrate 150 episodes of quality teachings the only way we know how - talking about Catfolk! Featuring special guest, Paizo's own Franchise Manager, Mark Moreland!
We got together 5 guys from the interwebs including Andrew formerly of Tales from the Lich, Rob past guest of Trailblazer Academy, Johan voice-over arist for the Trailblazer Network, Christian co-professor of Trailblazer Academy, and Caleb founder of the Trailblazer Network to play games and shoot the breeze. We're so proud that you guys choose to spend your time listening to this network and the shows on it. Please make use of the Discord server to talk with the Trailblazers crew and fellow fans! You can find a link at the bottom of our site www.tblazer.net.
Note: This episode includes adult humor. Listener discretion is advised.
Visit Johan's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/GrethSC/
This episode covers rules and tips on how to utilize Horror in your game. This episode builds off of concepts introduced in Horror Adventures (1E).
This episode covers the Book of the Damned (1E). Featuring special guest Perram from the Know Direction Podcast.
Listen to Perram's podcast Know Direction: http://knowdirectionpodcast.com/
This episodes covers rules on how to build player races in 1E using rules presented in the Advanced Race Guide.
This episode covers rules on how to build monsters in 1E using rules presented mainly in Bestairy 1 and expanded on in the further Bestiaries.
This episode covers the Adaptive Shifter arcehtype for the 1E Shifter introduced in Distant Realms.
This episode covers the Ankou's Shadow arcehtype for the Slayer introduced in Legacy of the First World (1E).
This episode was sponsored. Want to sponsor an episode? Visit http://www.tblazer.net/sponsor-an-episode for details.
This episode covers the Mass Combat subsystem introduced in Ultimate Campaign (1E).
This episode was sponsored. Want to sponsor an episode? Visit http://www.tblazer.net/sponsor-an-episode for details.
This episode reviews Planar Adventures (1E), the last book in the core 1st edition line.
Springtime by Pierre-Auguste Cot (nsfw art): https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/438158
This episode covers the Archaeologist archetype for the Bard introduced in Ultimate Combat (1E).
This episode was sponsored. Want to sponsor an episode? Visit http://www.tblazer.net/sponsor-an-episode for details.
This episode covers rules on how to build NPCs using the specific classes made for NPCs.
You can sponsor an episode about nearly any subject to have Caleb & Christian record an episode on it!
Visit http://www.tblazer.net/sponsor-an-episode for details.
In this episode we cover a large list of useful mundane items and gear. The show notes contain the list of items as well as criteria we used and list of books we had access to when looking at the items.
Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1soiO1y3ZcVsSElT9yr0OMlbUPYDoYC-idPuLL4PHLCo/edit?usp=sharing
This episode covers topics of inclusion, answering three foundational questions that TTRPG players will inevitably come across. Featuring special guest Geoff 'iNcontroL' Robinson.
This episode covers traits and certain uses of villains so you can create good villains for use in your games.
This episode covers a large list of useful magic items. Gear will be covered in the extra credit. The show notes contain the list of items as well as criteria we used and list of books we had access to when looking at the items.
Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1soiO1y3ZcVsSElT9yr0OMlbUPYDoYC-idPuLL4PHLCo/edit?usp=sharing
Editor's Note: There are a few times (mostly in the beginning of the episode) where my plosives make a weird effect on the audio. This is because I was too close to my mic, sorry about that.
This episode covers how to and whether you should roleplay your alignment, and what effects the Alignment system have on the game.
Featuring special guest Johan from GrethSC.
Visit Johan's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCesqVQjpqMSeuuzFa8sJiaA
Sandwich Alignment Chart: https://i1.wp.com/media.boingboing.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/C-wyhyfXYAALcbz-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C825&ssl=1
Bread Bag Alignment Chart: https://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/bread-bag-alignment-chart.jpg
This episode covers the editing techniques I use to edit an episode of Pathfinder Academy. This includes examples of what audio sounds like before and after I edit it, as well as estimations of how long the process takes and how much of the audio is left after all is said and done.
- We write the notes.
- We record the episode. We use a free program called audacity that allows us to record our audio. We both use the “U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone” made by CAD. Previously I used a different condenser microphone that was more expensive but older technology so I switched a little while ago, I don’t remember what make and model that one was.
- After the episode is recorded Christian exports his audio on the insane quality preset. Exporting turns the audio recording into a usable file, in this case we use mp3. Christian sends me the mp3 over google drive.
- I import Christian’s audio file into audacity. This takes about 1 minute for every 60 min of audio.
- I sync the audio. Syncing the audio is simply aligning the audio so we’re not talking over each other, and involves me removing a few seconds off of the beginning of the audio of whoever began recording first. I then navigate to the end of the audio to make sure the audio is aligned correctly, and if it isn’t I go back and make any needed adjustments. This takes about five minutes.
- I apply noise reduction to each audio file separately. This removes the background noises usually generated by the microphones we use because they’re not top of the line and generate a bit of a hiss, and because neither Christian or I are in noise canceling rooms (those are usually small rooms with padding on the walls to reduce almost all background noises). This takes about 1 min for every 27 min of audio, per each individual audio file.
- I apply a function called “truncate silence” to the entire project. This removes silences over a certain length and reduces them down to about a quarter of a second. This takes about 1 min for every 7 min of audio.
- I edit it for content. I start a the beginning of the file and hit play and listen to the entire episode. I edit out UMs, places where we stumble over our words or misspeak, places where we talk over each other, places where we talk to each other about what we’re gonna say next. I move audio around if we recorded a portion out of order, I add sound effects if the episode calls for them, and other such things. During this time I also silence the audio of one person while the other speaks which is very time consuming. Editing for content takes about 1 min for every 40 seconds of audio.
- I equalize each audio file separately. This makes our voices more pleasing to the ear, each person has their own personal sound profile that requires different equalization. For example I boost Christian’s bass and treble, while i only boost my base. This takes about 1 min for every 34 min of audio, per each individual audio file.
- I compress each audio file separately. This makes the quiet spots louder and the loud spots quieter so that you never have to adjust the volume while you listen. This takes about 1 min for every 68 min of audio, per each individual audio file.
- I import the intro, outro, and advertisement files. This takes about a minute. I then place them in the appropriate places and small bits of silence as buffer before and after the ads. This takes about 5 minutes.
- I export the project into a single mp3 on the insane quality preset. This takes about 1 min for every 16 min of audio.
- I upload the mp3 to Podbean, a service I use to manage the RSS feed that podcasts use. I fill out the episode information like show notes, season information, etc. This takes about 1 min for every 16 min of audio.
So when all is said and done, from importing Christian’s audio to publishing the podcast takes about double the length of the raw audio. If there’s a guest obviously it’ll take more time. That’s a gross estimate because those ratios can change depending on how long the audio is, they aren’t really flat ratios.
The final episode is about 70% as long as the raw audio we recorded.
Join professors Caleb & Christian as they teach you all about the Pathfinder RPG. We talk about game mechanics, review classes, discuss GM and player techniques, and much more! From beginners to experts, everyone can attend this class for a great time.
Visit our site at www.tblazer.net
In this extra credit we go over the archetypes introduced with the class and two of our own example builds.
This episode covers the pros and cons of the Automatic Bonus Progression alternate rules introduced in Pathfinder Unchained (1E).
In this episode we discuss races we want to see next, as well as look back at the RO series.
We got together 5 guys from the interwebs including Andrew & Paul from Tales from the Lich, Tim from Trailblazers, Christian co-professor of Pathfinder Academy, and Caleb founder of the Trailblazer Network to play games and shoot the breeze. We're so proud that you guys choose to spend your time listening to this network and the shows on it. Please make use of the new Discord server to talk with the Trailblazers crew and fellow fans!
Note: This episode includes adult humor. Listener discretion is advised.
Visit Andrew's site at http://www.talesfromthelich.com/
Detailed overview of the Caligni (also known as Dark Folk) published in Bestiary 5 (1E).
This episodes covers how to and whether you should roleplay your stats, or hold your players to exactly what their ability scores would dictate.
Featuring special guest Paul from Tales from the Lich (formerly Softly Speaking Sanskrit).
Also featuring a cameo from F. Wesley Schneider (co-creator of Pathfinder).
Visit Paul's site at www.talesfromthelich.com
An interview with F. Wesley Schneider, co-creator of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and author of the Bloodbound novel (that we reviewed in the past) who recently left Paizo. We talk to him about this phase of his career, Bloodbound, and his obsession with horror.
Detailed overview of the Goblin race published in Advanced Race Guide (1E).
Paizo's Down Image: http://imgur.com/a/dH82r
We got together 4 guys from the interwebs including Andrew from Softly Speaking Sanskrit, Ryan who previously guest-starred on Pathfinder Academy, Christian co-professor of Pathfinder Academy, and Caleb founder of the Trailblazer Network to play games like 'the % game' and 'family feud' and shoot the breeze. We're so proud that you guys choose to spend your time listening to this network and the shows on it. Please make use of the twitter we set up solely so we can have more dialog with you, the fans, @TBlazerNetwork and feel free to e-mail us at TBlazerNetwork@gmail.com
I want to say a small word about this episode's pace. It's a great episode with fun and laughter throughout however I feel that I made a small misstep. I was trying to combine the themes of 'fun and games' with 'Halloween' and I don't think it worked as well as I'd like. This is completely the fault of myself and the guests were great and did great, this one's all on me. In future episodes I think we will be sticking with just the party theme instead to make a more cohesive episode for you guys. I hope you enjoy today's episode. - Caleb
Note: This episode includes some 'potty humor', quite literally.
Visit Andrew's site at http://www.talesfromthelich.com/
Detailed overview of the Dhampir race published in Advanced Race Guide (1E).
Video from Rollplay that I described: https://youtu.be/QglPcZ7cXaY
This episode covers details regarding not only miniatures and dice, but other such paraphernalia & accoutrement. Featuring two special guests Chris Rowan and Chris Boyce! D100 Writeup: https://www.reddit.com/r/Pathfinder_RPG/comments/3v8u3y/indepth_analysis_of_reading_a_d100/
This episode covers tips in regards to successful storytelling, from wide subjects like how to begin, continue, and end your campaign, to complicated topics like how to deal with time travel. In this episode we have a guest with more GM experience than both Christian and Caleb combined! Andrew from Tales from the Lich (formerly Softly Speaking Sanskrit). Visit Andrew's site at www.talesfromthelich.com
Join us as we take a look back at 50 episodes of quality teachings! Get out the cake and blow out the candles with us as we celebrate one year of the Trailblazer network, with retrospectives on it's humble beginnings, and where we stand now.
This episode covers some pretty controversial topics regarding philosophies that GMs have on how they run their games answering questions like, 'Do you always do whatever the dice tell you?' 'Optimized' and 'De-optimzed' sound bites taken from this channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/commentiquette
This episode covers differences in how you prepare for and run a Homebrew campaign vs a Pre-made one.
In this episode we cover Bloodbound, a novel by F. Wesley Schneider, co-creator of the Pathfidner RPG.
Author's AMA: https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/41pnpu/im_f_wesley_schneider_author_of_bloodbound_and/
This episode covers differences in playing Pathfinder in real life vs playing it online.
This episode covers how romance can be involved on your campaign with special guest Kyle Fergusson from Amove TV! Visit Kyle's site at www.kylefergusson.com
This episode covers how to reward your players whether it be with loot or story progression, as well as how to correct things if you've given them too much loot.
In this extra credit we go over our more encounters we've participated in or created that illustrate helpful points about encounter building.
This episode covers how to create interesting and fun encounters for your players. Covers things from average encounters, to boss battles.
This episode covers different house rules we use for first edition. Listen to get ideas on what house rules you might want to add to your personal list.
In this extra credit we go over the archetypes available in the book the class was introduced and two of our own example builds.
This episode covers the intricacies of the death of a player-controlled character, and how to handle character death in a fair way and how to keep the players in mind as you do that.
In this extra credit we go over the archetypes available in the book the class was introduced and two of our own example builds.
Detailed overview of the Swashbuckler class published in the Advanced Class Guide (1E).
In this extra credit we go over our own Player Type categories and how to handle kicking out a player.
This episode covers the different types of players you might interact with and how to deal with conflict. This episode builds off of concepts introduced in the GameMastery Guide (1E).
In this extra credit we go over the archetypes available in the book the class was introduced and two of our own example builds.
Originally known as the 5000 Play Spectacular, a special celebratory episode and extravaganza. To celebrate 5000 plays we got together 5 guys from the interwebs including Kyle Fergusson from Amove.tv, Andrew from Softly Speaking Sanskrit, Ryan who previously guest-starred on Pathfinder Academy, Christian co-professor of Pathfinder Academy, and Caleb founder of the Trailblazer Network.
We get together and play games like 'never have I ever' and 'would you rather' and just kinda hang out. We're so proud that you guys choose to spend your time listening to this network and the shows on it. Please make use of the twitter we set up solely so we can have more dialog with you, the fans, @TBlazerNetwork and feel free to e-mail us at TBlazerNetwork@gmail.com
It was so much fun that this turned into an annual even we call the "Party Episode".
Coin Dice: http://www.2ddice.com/
Visit Kyle's site at www.kylefergusson.com Visit Andrew's site at www.softlyspeakingsanskrit.com
In this extra credit we go over table etiquette, difference between Host & GM, and other stuff like miniatures and battle mats.
This episode is a must-listen for any first-time Pathfinder RPG GMs. Professors Caleb and Christian go over the basics of how to run a session as a GM.
In this extra credit we go over the archetypes available in the book the class was introduced and two of our own example builds.
In this extra credit episode guest professor Andrew from the Softly Speaking Sanskrit actual play podcast joins us to go over how to come up with unique and fun characters.
Visit Andrew's site at: www.softlyspeakingsanskrit.com
This episode goes over how to make a first edition character from scratch. Feel free to download a character sheet and follow along. Here are links to the sheet we made during this episode: http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/pdd/images/d/d8/JeevesCharacterSheetPage1.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20151015031032
http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/pdd/images/2/27/JeevesCharacterSheetPage2.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20151015031042
In this extra credit we go over the archetypes available in the book the class was introduced and two of our own example builds.
This episode covers what party roles look like in Pathfinder. You won't be seeing your Tank, DPS, and Healer in this list!
In this extra credit we go over the archetypes available in the book the class was introduced and two of our own example builds.
Detailed overview of the Investigator class published in the Advanced Class Guide (1E).
This episode covers how equipment works both magical and mundane. Make sure to check out the extra credit where we go over buying enchanted weapons and armor.
In this extra credit we go over the archetypes available in the book the class was introduced and two of our own example builds.
This episode covers all the different kind of actions you can take in combat in regard to combat with magic. Make sure to check out extra credit where we go over words of power.
In this extra credit we go over the archetypes introduced with the class and two of our own example builds.
In this extra credit we go over the mounted combat, underwater combat, an extended grapple example, and a list of the conditions you can incur.
Grapple Charts: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Grapple
This episode goes over all the different kind of actions you can take in combat in regard to combat with weapons. Make sure to check out extra credit where we go over the mounted and underwater combat, possible conditions you can contract, as well as some useful charts for grappling and attacks of opportunity.
In this extra credit we go over the archetypes introduced with the class and two of our own example builds.
This episodes covers, in detail, all of the skills available to characters in the game. Make sure to check out extra credit where we go over the Craft skill in more detail.
This episode cover, in detail, all of the skills available to characters in the game. Make sure to check out extra credit where we go over the Craft skill in more detail.
In this extra credit we go over the archetypes introduced with the class and two of our own example builds.
In this extra credit we go over common terms you'll hear when playing or talking about tabletop RPGs.
This episode is a must-listen for any first-time Pathfinder RPG players. Professors Caleb and Christian go over the basic mechanics of the game with something for new and knowledgeable players alike.