This is a background materials file that I use to get inspiration on how to describe Builder ruins and make them come to live in the scenario I am working on.
It was generated using Google's NotebookLM.
I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing.
#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #Builderruins #ruins #archeology #space #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG
#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop
#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration
Translating Cosmic Dread: Fidelity vs. Function in Coriolis's "The Quarantine Station" Nightmare
Going over some of my old roleplaying materials I found the classic Mansions of Madness collection for Call of Cthulhu, and of the scenarios - the Sanatorium is a favorite of mine, and I thought how if this was transformed into a Coriolis the Great Dark scenario.
So with the aid of Claude, I tried to work with the idea, and I think it could work.
This Debate is a discussion about this. So is the previous episode, which used the Deep Dive format to discuss the same material.
It was generated using Google's NotebookLM.
I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing.
#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #Builderruins #ruins #archeology #space #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG
#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop
#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration #call #callofcthulhu #cthulhu
Going over some of my old roleplaying materials I found the classic Mansions of Madness collection for Call of Cthulhu, and of the scenarios - the Sanatorium is a favorite of mine, and I thought how if this was transformed into a Coriolis the Great Dark scenario.
So with the aid of Claude, I tried to work with the idea, and I think it could work.
This Deep Dive is a discussion about this. So is the following episode, which uses the Debate format to discuss the same material.
It was generated using Google's NotebookLM.
I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing.
#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #Builderruins #ruins #archeology #space #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG
#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop
#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration #call #callofcthulhu #cthulhu
This is a background materials file that I use to get inspiration on how to design Coriolis The Great Dark scenarios. I use this for inspiration for the scenario I am working on.
It was generated using Google's NotebookLM.
I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing.
#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #Builderruins #ruins #archeology #space #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG
#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop
#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration
Part 3 of 3 (segment 4): From Concept to Publication
How do you transform sophisticated scenario design into a usable document that game masters can actually run at the table?
In this concluding episode, hosts Peter Randel, Carsten Eriksen, Christian Eriksen, and Elisabeth Tremors explore the often-overlooked art of scenario publication. Building on the structural foundations and action design from previous episodes, we examine how visual design, information architecture, and thoughtful handout creation determine whether The Library of Apan'ra succeeds in practice.
Whether you're publishing scenarios for others, creating materials for your own table, or studying how design choices affect usability, this episode provides sophisticated frameworks grounded in practical application.
Scenario designers preparing for publication • Game masters creating custom adventures • Anyone interested in information design and usability • Fans developing Coriolis campaigns • Designers studying how layout supports play • Writers transforming ideas into usable documents
#CoriolisRPG #TheGreatDark #TableTopRPG #RPGPodcast #ScenarioDesign #DelveCrawl #ScienceFictionGaming #FreeLeague #RPGDesign #GameMaster #PublicationDesign #InformationDesign #ArchaeologicalAdventure #CosmicHorror #AskAggerMethod #FiveRoomDungeon #RPGTheory #TabletopGaming #SciFiRPG #AdventureDesign #NarrativeGaming #IndieTTRPG #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #BuilderSites #SpaceArchaeology #ScenarioWriting #LayoutDesign #UsabilityDesign
Part 3 of 3 (segment 3): From Concept to Publication
How do you transform sophisticated scenario design into a usable document that game masters can actually run at the table?
In this concluding episode, hosts Peter Randel, Carsten Eriksen, Christian Eriksen, and Elisabeth Tremors explore the often-overlooked art of scenario publication. Building on the structural foundations and action design from previous episodes, we examine how visual design, information architecture, and thoughtful handout creation determine whether The Library of Apan'ra succeeds in practice.
Whether you're publishing scenarios for others, creating materials for your own table, or studying how design choices affect usability, this episode provides sophisticated frameworks grounded in practical application.
Scenario designers preparing for publication • Game masters creating custom adventures • Anyone interested in information design and usability • Fans developing Coriolis campaigns • Designers studying how layout supports play • Writers transforming ideas into usable documents
#CoriolisRPG #TheGreatDark #TableTopRPG #RPGPodcast #ScenarioDesign #DelveCrawl #ScienceFictionGaming #FreeLeague #RPGDesign #GameMaster #PublicationDesign #InformationDesign #ArchaeologicalAdventure #CosmicHorror #AskAggerMethod #FiveRoomDungeon #RPGTheory #TabletopGaming #SciFiRPG #AdventureDesign #NarrativeGaming #IndieTTRPG #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #BuilderSites #SpaceArchaeology #ScenarioWriting #LayoutDesign #UsabilityDesign
In This Episode:Perfect for:
This is a background materials file that I use to get inspiration on how to describe Builder ruins and make them come to live in the scenario I am working on.
It was generated using Google's NotebookLM.
I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing.
#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #Builderruins #ruins #archeology #space #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG
#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop
#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration
This is a background materials file that I have created for my own personal learning. This was created using Google's Notebook LLM and a prompt created by Claude.
This is primarily made for my own listening to revisit chapter 10 and 11 of the rulebook.
#ScenarioDesign #NarrativeDesign #CreativeWriting #GameDesign #StorytellingTools #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG
This is a background materials file that I have created for my own personal learning. This was created using Google's Notebook LLM and a prompt created by Claude.
This is primarily made for my own listening to revisit chapter 3 and 4 of the rulebook.
#ScenarioDesign #NarrativeDesign #CreativeWriting #GameDesign #StorytellingTools #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG
This is a background materials file that I have created for my own personal learning. This was created using Google's Notebook LLM and a prompt created by Claude.
This is primarily made for my own listening to revisit chapter 8 and 9 of the rulebook. I want to understand the factions and Ship City and have used Google's NotebookLM to generate a podcast that I can listen to in the car and hopefully help spark some creative ideas I can unfold and turn into future story nuggets or maybe something even more.
#ScenarioDesign #NarrativeDesign #CreativeWriting #GameDesign #StorytellingTools #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG
Part 2 of 3 (segment 2): Designing Action in Archaeological Adventure
How do you create pulse-pounding action sequences that serve archaeological storytelling rather than interrupting it?
In this episode, hosts Peter Randel and Carsten Eriksen welcome special guest Christian Eriksen (action cinema expert from Sydney) to explore how science fiction film techniques translate to tabletop delve scenarios. Building on Episode 1's structural foundations, we layer kinetic excitement onto The Library of Apan'ra scenario while maintaining The Great Dark's emphasis on cosmic mystery and character-driven narrative.
In This Episode:
Whether you're designing delve scenarios, running archaeological adventures, or simply interested in how action cinema informs tabletop gaming, this episode offers sophisticated frameworks and practical techniques.
Perfect for:Game masters creating science fiction scenarios • Players interested in delve mechanics • Scenario designers studying narrative structure • Fans of Coriolis: The Great Dark • Anyone exploring the intersection of action and investigation in RPGs
#CoriolisRPG #TheGreatDark #TableTopRPG #RPGPodcast #ScenarioDesign #DelveCrawl #ScienceFictionGaming #FreeLeague #RPGDesign #GameMaster #ActionScenes #ArchaeologicalAdventure #CosmicHorror #AskAggerMethod #FiveRoomDungeon #RPGTheory #TabletopGaming #SciFiRPG #AdventureDesign #NarrativeGaming #IndieTTRPG #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #BuilderSites #SpaceArchaeology
Part 2 of 3 (segment 1): Designing Action in Archaeological Adventure
How do you create pulse-pounding action sequences that serve archaeological storytelling rather than interrupting it?
In this episode, hosts Peter Randel and Carsten Eriksen welcome special guest Christian Eriksen (action cinema expert from Sydney) to explore how science fiction film techniques translate to tabletop delve scenarios. Building on Episode 1's structural foundations, we layer kinetic excitement onto The Library of Apan'ra scenario while maintaining The Great Dark's emphasis on cosmic mystery and character-driven narrative.
In This Episode:
Whether you're designing delve scenarios, running archaeological adventures, or simply interested in how action cinema informs tabletop gaming, this episode offers sophisticated frameworks and practical techniques.
Perfect for:Game masters creating science fiction scenarios • Players interested in delve mechanics • Scenario designers studying narrative structure • Fans of Coriolis: The Great Dark • Anyone exploring the intersection of action and investigation in RPGs
#CoriolisRPG #TheGreatDark #TableTopRPG #RPGPodcast #ScenarioDesign #DelveCrawl #ScienceFictionGaming #FreeLeague #RPGDesign #GameMaster #ActionScenes #ArchaeologicalAdventure #CosmicHorror #AskAggerMethod #FiveRoomDungeon #RPGTheory #TabletopGaming #SciFiRPG #AdventureDesign #NarrativeGaming #IndieTTRPG #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #BuilderSites #SpaceArchaeology
Episode 1: Foundation and Framework - Building Delve Scenarios with Ask Agger and the Five Room Structure
Part 1 of 3: Creating "The Library of Apan'ra"
Join hosts Peter Randel, Carsten Eriksen, and Christian Eriksen as they begin a three-part deep dive into scenario creation for Coriolis: The Great Dark. In this foundational episode, discover how to transform archaeological exploration from simple treasure hunting into scenarios with genuine roleplaying opportunities, meaningful action sequences, and real depth.
Learn to apply Ask Agger's proven scenario design methodology and the evolved Five Room Dungeon concept to create delve scenarios that serve both philosophical players and action-oriented crews. Using "The Library of Apan'ra" as a working example, the hosts demonstrate how to identify your scenario's Heart, structure dramatic beats that preserve player agency, and integrate narrative architecture with The Great Dark's delving mechanics.
Perfect for game masters seeking practical tools to create scenarios where environmental hazards serve character development, where crew dynamics become tactically relevant, and where every discovery advances a central thematic question.
Next: Episode 2 explores genre sophistication and cinematic action sequences.
#CoriolisTheGreatDark #ScenarioDesign #TTRPG #TabletopRPG #GameMaster #AskAgger #FiveRoomDungeon #RPGPodcast #DelveScenarios #GameMasterTips #NarrativeDesign #TabletopGaming #RPGCommunity #FreeLeague #GreatDarkResources
This is a background materials file that I have created for my own personal learning. I want to be inspired on how to write short scenarios or side quests that tie into a larger story.
I want to understand the physical space and the history and have used Google's NotebookLM to generate a podcast that I can listen to in the car and hopefully help spark some creative ideas I can unfold and turn into future story nuggets or maybe something even more.
#ScenarioDesign #NarrativeDesign #CreativeWriting #GameDesign #StorytellingTools #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG #RPGDesign #GameMaster #TabletopRPG
Great Dark Resources Episode 10: Adventures in the Dark - Creating Action-Packed Delve Scenarios
Join hosts Peter Randel and Carsten Eriksen as they welcome special guest Christian Eriksen to explore how classic action cinema techniques can enhance archaeological adventures in Coriolis: The Great Dark. Drawing inspiration from Indiana Jones and The Maze Runner, the trio discusses creating delve scenarios that satisfy both methodical investigators and action-oriented players.
From responsive Builder technology to acoustic galleries with drone defenses, learn how to design scenarios where archaeological discovery drives exciting action sequences. The hosts explore moving beyond traditional "boss fights" toward sophisticated "comprehension climaxes" that challenge players intellectually while maintaining cinematic pacing.
Discover practical techniques for integrating cosmic horror elements, Blight exposure, and crew dynamics into adventures that honor the setting's Middle Eastern cultural foundations while delivering the thrills of space archaeology.
Perfect for game masters seeking to create memorable delving experiences that blend scholarly investigation with heart-pounding action.
#CoriolisRPG #GreatDark #TabletopRPG #RPGPodcast #SciFiGaming #CosmicHorror #GameMaster #RPGDesign #ActionCinema #ArchaeologyGaming #BuilderSites #DelveScenarios #RPGStorytelling #SpaceArchaeology
Characters Coming to Life: Building NPCs from Core Rules to Cosmic Horror
Hosts Peter Randel and Carsten Eriksen return to explore how their Explorers Guild character development project is evolving from theoretical framework into living, breathing NPCs. Discover how the confined setting of The Great Dark creates unique opportunities for character development that wouldn't exist in the expansive original Coriolis setting.
Learn how to draw inspiration from science fiction masters like Reynolds, Simmons, and Asimov while maintaining canonical consistency with the Middle Eastern cultural foundations that make Coriolis distinctive. The hosts explore how Free League's design evolution from The One Ring's sophisticated travel mechanics to The Great Dark's delve-focused gameplay creates natural opportunities for character-driven storytelling.
Featuring detailed discussions of historical characters like the estranged twins Hakim and Zahra ibn-Zahra—former members of Master Moska's original crew whose philosophical schism still haunts the Guild decades later. Explore how cosmic horror elements can be integrated into character development through Islamic scholarly traditions rather than Western materialist frameworks.
Perfect for game masters looking to create NPCs who embody the philosophical tensions between secular exploration and sacred reverence, individual ambition and collective survival, human understanding and cosmic mystery. This episode provides practical techniques for building character relationships that thrive in The Great Dark's pressure cooker environment.
#CoriolisTheGreatDark #ExplorerGuild #NPCDevelopment #CharacterDesign #TTRPG #TabletopRPG #GameMaster #RPGPodcast #FreeLeague #CosmicHorror #SciFiHorror #MiddleEasternFantasy #IslamicSciFi #BuilderArtifacts #ShipCity #LostHorizon #RPGStorytelling #NarrativeDesign #TheOneRing #DungeonCrawling #ArchaeologicalHorror #RPGAdvice #GameMasterTips #TabletopGaming #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #PersianMythology #SciFiRPG #HorrorGaming #RPGCharacters #NPCs #WorldBuilding #CampaignDesign #RPGInspiration #TabletopStorytelling
This is a background materials file that will be part of the material I use for an upcoming episode on the Icons and their role in Coriolis: The Great Dark.
I think the Icons should be allowed to have a role in TGD and this is part of that work, which is still very much work in progress.
It was generated using Google's NotebookLM and the research paper I had done as background for the upcoming episode on the Icons.
I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing the actual script for the next episode for Peter and his guest, Eli, Carsten, or another character.
https://greatdarkresources.wordpress.com/2025/08/19/the-cult-of-the-icons-in-the-great-dark/
#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #icons #nineicons #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG
#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop
#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration
The Explorers Guild: Building Stories from the Depths
Join hosts Peter Randel and Carsten Eriksen as they explore how to transform the canonical foundation of the Explorers Guild into a living, breathing narrative ecosystem for your Coriolis: The Great Dark campaigns.
Drawing from decades of RPG experience and deep knowledge of science fiction literature, they discuss practical techniques for creating compelling NPCs who feel like real people with genuine stakes in your stories.
From Master Moska's political maneuvering to the institutional trauma of the Catresuvian Collection crisis, discover how to use the Guild's precarious political position as a driver for ongoing dramatic tension. Learn how to develop characters across multiple organizational strata - from legendary founders to ambitious newcomers - each bringing different perspectives on risk, loyalty, and the ethics of archaeological exploration.
The conversation delves into advanced storytelling techniques inspired by Alastair Reynolds, Dan Simmons, and Isaac Asimov, showing how to create "information economies" within the Guild where knowledge becomes currency and relationships drive narrative complexity. Explore practical approaches to rival delver crews, generational conflicts, and the middle management layer that wields unofficial but crucial influence over Guild operations.
Perfect for experienced game masters looking to elevate their institutional storytelling beyond simple mission-giving organizations into complex communities that can support years of compelling campaign play. Whether your table focuses on political intrigue, archaeological mysteries, or character-driven drama, this episode provides frameworks for sustainable narrative complexity that grows organically with your campaign.
https://greatdarkresources.wordpress.com/
#CoriolisTheGreatDark #ExplorersGuild #TTRPG #TabletopRPG #GameMaster #NPCDevelopment #InstitutionalStorytelling #SciFiRPG #FreeLeague #RPGPodcast #CampaignDesign #NarrativeDesign #WorldBuilding #RPGAdvice #GameMasterTips #TabletopGaming #RPGCommunity #GreatDarkResources #LostHorizon #BuilderMysteries #CoriolisRPG #RPGNarratives #StorytellingTechniques #CharacterDevelopment #RPGInspiration
Episode 7: Deciphering the Past - Builder Glyphs
Join Peter and Eli as they explore the fascinating archaeological mystery of Builder Glyphs in Coriolis: The Great Dark. From real-world parallels like Egyptian hieroglyphs and the Rosetta Stone breakthrough to practical implementation in your campaigns, discover how to use the three-category glyph system (Major, Minor, and Kaphra) to create compelling mysteries without overwhelming preparation.
Learn how to make archaeologist characters feel essential, establish visual distinctions players can recognize, and maintain the alien mystery of a million-year-old civilization. Packed with concrete examples from actual gameplay, this episode provides game masters with the tools to transform ancient symbols into drivers of exploration, discovery, and danger.
Perfect for experienced RPG enthusiasts familiar with Coriolis who want to add archaeological depth to their Lost Horizon campaigns.
Great Dark Resources - Essential tools for navigating the mysteries of Coriolis: The Great Dark
#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #BuilderGlyphs #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG
Archaeology #AncientMysteries #GameMaster #RPGAdvice #WorldBuilding #SciFiRPG
#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop
This is a background materials file that will be part of the material I use for the next upcoming episode on Glyphs.
It was generated using Google's NotebookLM and the research paper I had done as background for the upcoming episode on Glyphs.
I use this to listen and learn about the subject before I then go into the process of writing the actual script for the next episode for Peter and Eli.
#CoriolisTheGreatDark #Coriolis #BuilderGlyphs #RPGPodcast #TabletopRPG #TTRPG
#SciFi #Storytelling #Mystery #Adventure #Gaming #Podcast #RPGers #TableTop
#LostCivilizations #AlienMysteries #SpaceExploration #CosmicHorror #DeepTime #RuinExploration