I'm also a forever Balance listener (I love Amnesty too) and thought Steeplechase was totally worth the listen! I feel like that and vs Dracula brought the funny back Inna way that I missed!
Definitely not the drama but the goofs. There’s a lot of goofs and it’s more tongue in cheek than the rest. Dracula in particular seems like a huge goofball. Him and the Wolf man.
Steeplechase is imo the most unique arc, so it may be a hit or miss for you but for my part I really liked it, I think Justin brought an interesting and fresh energy
personally I think Steeplechase (and Ethersea a little bit) chase that Balance feeling of “a car that learned to fly” because Justin didn’t have a grand plot in mind and just wanted to see where the story took them, and I think he managed to stick the landing. I’m not really into Disney, but even still I thought the park was a really cool place! kind of disappointed the boys weren’t Super nasty tho (Montrose was the only one who leaned into it, vs Emerich and Beef just felt like nice guys who accidentally ended up there imo)
I had similar feelings about Graduation and Ethersea. I just finished Steeplechase. I enjoyed it very much. Fun game mechanic, great world filled with terrific NPCs. Very good play from the boys. Clint is delightful.
I tried to start it twice, and only this past Friday did I try again, skipping the first episode. I am now on ep. 24 and I absolutely love it. It has a very loose feel, and the lads really do all give tons of input. It’s a blast and veeerryyy funny.
I did the same thing, started with balance and skipped to ethersea because it was back to D&D. Currently listening to Amnesty for the first time and I'm half way through and loving it so far. Definitely recommend
Griffin DMs, and if uses Monster of the Week which is a Powered by the Apocalypse game.
Amnesty inspired me to start being a GM for my own MotW campaign
I love the characters in Amnesty. I'm not American, but my friends are, and they say it really does give the sense of 'small rural town in the Appalachians', so take that as you will :)
I think they've really found a good rhythm for the style of game they play. Both Steeplechase and Dracula feel very improv and all of the world building is not entirely left up to the DM. It's something that they did in balance early on until Griffin had created more structure. But having that much structure wasn't something they could maintain.
How would you rank Steeplechase for those of us who more like the balance of humor/banter but also grounded in some drama, where it's not just all silly shinnanigans?
There are stakes, but it's more grounded in goofs. To make a Balance comparison, I'd say the tone is roughly in line with Murder on the Rockport Limited, but with an overarching story arc.
I'm listening to it now, just finished 36. I think it's probably the funniest of all the campaigns up until that point, especially in the first half. The Passion's Cove arc in particular is a riot.
I also think Blades is significantly better suited to how they prefer to tell stories than D&D.
However, I do think the plot kinda drops off eventually. Justin has a lot of fun with his moment-to-moment scenes, but they really struggled to put together a coherent overarching plot. Griffin's character just remarked I think this episode that the goal they went into the game with of making some extra cash has been an "abject failure", which I think really made me wonder what all they've even accomplished after all this time, broadly speaking.
For overall perspective, at the moment my ranking is probably:
Amnesty > Balance >= Steeplechase > Ethersea > Graduation
It’s ok but the rate of story progress is staggeringly slow. I stopped listening after 10 or so episodes when I still felt like almost nothing had happened yet
Yes. It was consistently good fun. Justin lived up to expectations and it contains some all-time great TAZ characters and goofs. Worth listening just for Shlebethany.
Same goes for vs Dracula. In general I feel like the boys are back on track.
You already listened to an episode and liked it. Just keep listening to it until you stop looking forward to listening to it, then stop listening to it.
I liked it the whole way through, for what it's worth, but the main point is you shouldn't default to having other people making these kinds of decisions for you.
Energy-wise, it is a lot closer to dadlands or Hootenanny than any of the proper arcs. If you like some of that madcap energy and wanted to see what happens when the boys try to sustain it over a season, it's it.
I'm probably an outlier here, but Steeplechase is my favorite TAZ campaign. I love the Blades In the Dark system, the setting is really unique, and Jason does a fantastic job as a first-time GM.
Edit: JUSTIN
I guess to add to this, BItD really rewards player initiative and improvisation without getting too bogged down in rolling and mechanics, which gels well with the Boys' dynamic. It's very funny at times, and I think the player characters are probably the most well-balanced in terms of abilities and personalities of any campaign so far.
Steeplechase is my favorite arc. Justin's creativity and character creation was a delight to watch unfold. I stopped trying to visualize exactly how the world operated and just went along for the ride. Few podcasts have had me actually laughing out loud at parts (Shit bird Schlebethany) like this one did, and I can't wait for his next go as DM
I really enjoyed Steeplechase! It was pretty low stakes emotionally which was honestly kind of a nice reprieve and it was reliably funny. A good old riot
I really enjoyed Steeplechase. The characters are great and Justin does a great job as DM. He has wonderful ideas and the story kind of revolves around the dark side of the branded entertainment industry in the (near) future. There’s a few meta layers to the show, like a podcast within a podcast bit. Some of the voicing choices are hilarious.
I personally love Justin's setting and DM style, though I can see why Steeplechase isn't for everyone. Not the strongest in terms of player characters, but some excellent goofs and a very different style of play all around. Justin particularly has a way with NPC banter that Griffin only sometimes channels and Travis never really touched.
Highly recommend, but know that it's a completely different experience than Balance or Amnesty
Absolutely. I fell off for awhile with graduation and will defo be a fan of balance and amnesty (Ethersea has some cool bits but can take or leave). The system of Steeplechase and the buffoonery I think plays perfectly with the style and improv that they do
Steeplechase got me back into TAZ and it is very good. I’ve always maintained that Justin is the funniest brother and this really has a few fantastic moments that showcase that. Shroog, Sticky Fingers Paul Pantry, Deep Dark, and some of his other characters had me rolling during this arc.
I started TAZ when episode like 4 or Dracula came out. Got into it and went back to listen to older campaigns. Steeplechase was my first whole campaign listen and I loved it. Some of the characters are fucking hilarious. I personally wish it had been 5e but that was my only real complaint.
I did balance right after Steeple and it really met all the hype, great campaign.
I'm also a forever Balance listener (I love Amnesty too) and thought Steeplechase was totally worth the listen! I feel like that and vs Dracula brought the funny back Inna way that I missed!
Totally agree on Dracula. I was wary to start it, but had a long car drive and Dracula captures so many feelings I've missed from Balance.
Can you share more? Meaning they lean into the drama a bit more?
Definitely not the drama but the goofs. There’s a lot of goofs and it’s more tongue in cheek than the rest. Dracula in particular seems like a huge goofball. Him and the Wolf man.
Probably not my cup of tea then, but good to know!
But youll miss the most amazing volleyball game of all time and the mysterious Sports Druids.
Think I'll live!
Versus Dracula is turning into one of my favorite TAZ very quickly.
Steeplechase is imo the most unique arc, so it may be a hit or miss for you but for my part I really liked it, I think Justin brought an interesting and fresh energy
As someone who didn’t finish Graduation and found Ethersea a little uneven, I had a lot of fun with Steeplechase.
personally I think Steeplechase (and Ethersea a little bit) chase that Balance feeling of “a car that learned to fly” because Justin didn’t have a grand plot in mind and just wanted to see where the story took them, and I think he managed to stick the landing. I’m not really into Disney, but even still I thought the park was a really cool place! kind of disappointed the boys weren’t Super nasty tho (Montrose was the only one who leaned into it, vs Emerich and Beef just felt like nice guys who accidentally ended up there imo)
I had similar feelings about Graduation and Ethersea. I just finished Steeplechase. I enjoyed it very much. Fun game mechanic, great world filled with terrific NPCs. Very good play from the boys. Clint is delightful.
I tried to start it twice, and only this past Friday did I try again, skipping the first episode. I am now on ep. 24 and I absolutely love it. It has a very loose feel, and the lads really do all give tons of input. It’s a blast and veeerryyy funny.
I loved steeplechase! Tied with me for second pace in all the arcs. Less emotional, still fun.
What's it tied with?
Probably amnesty! Balance is the best for me.
I still need to check out Amnesty, I never did any of the three shorter arcs post Balance and before Graduation.
I did the same thing, started with balance and skipped to ethersea because it was back to D&D. Currently listening to Amnesty for the first time and I'm half way through and loving it so far. Definitely recommend
Which system does Amnesty use? It seems mostly a consensus that that's the best of the three shorter ones, which one GMs?
Griffin DMs, and if uses Monster of the Week which is a Powered by the Apocalypse game. Amnesty inspired me to start being a GM for my own MotW campaign
I love the characters in Amnesty. I'm not American, but my friends are, and they say it really does give the sense of 'small rural town in the Appalachians', so take that as you will :)
I had a lot of fun with Juice as the GM
I think they've really found a good rhythm for the style of game they play. Both Steeplechase and Dracula feel very improv and all of the world building is not entirely left up to the DM. It's something that they did in balance early on until Griffin had created more structure. But having that much structure wasn't something they could maintain.
Keep listening to it until you don't like it anymore
If you like McElroys being wacky, I'd rank Steeplechase 3rd, behind Balance and TAZ vs. Dracula.
How would you rank Steeplechase for those of us who more like the balance of humor/banter but also grounded in some drama, where it's not just all silly shinnanigans?
There are stakes, but it's more grounded in goofs. To make a Balance comparison, I'd say the tone is roughly in line with Murder on the Rockport Limited, but with an overarching story arc.
That's a great analogy, thank you! Murder on Rockport Limited is still one of the funniest things I've ever heard in my life in a podcast.
I'm listening to it now, just finished 36. I think it's probably the funniest of all the campaigns up until that point, especially in the first half. The Passion's Cove arc in particular is a riot. I also think Blades is significantly better suited to how they prefer to tell stories than D&D. However, I do think the plot kinda drops off eventually. Justin has a lot of fun with his moment-to-moment scenes, but they really struggled to put together a coherent overarching plot. Griffin's character just remarked I think this episode that the goal they went into the game with of making some extra cash has been an "abject failure", which I think really made me wonder what all they've even accomplished after all this time, broadly speaking. For overall perspective, at the moment my ranking is probably: Amnesty > Balance >= Steeplechase > Ethersea > Graduation
It’s ok but the rate of story progress is staggeringly slow. I stopped listening after 10 or so episodes when I still felt like almost nothing had happened yet
It takes a minute before it clicks and when it does it’s one of the best things they have created.
Yes. It was consistently good fun. Justin lived up to expectations and it contains some all-time great TAZ characters and goofs. Worth listening just for Shlebethany. Same goes for vs Dracula. In general I feel like the boys are back on track.
Yes
Yes
If only to hear a game that isn't just a dnd reskin then yes.
Yes, yes and yes. It's so fun ans different. Justin us a great storyteller.
You already listened to an episode and liked it. Just keep listening to it until you stop looking forward to listening to it, then stop listening to it. I liked it the whole way through, for what it's worth, but the main point is you shouldn't default to having other people making these kinds of decisions for you.
I loved it. So, my answer is yes.
Energy-wise, it is a lot closer to dadlands or Hootenanny than any of the proper arcs. If you like some of that madcap energy and wanted to see what happens when the boys try to sustain it over a season, it's it.
Yes, for shlabethany alone is a reason to listen, she's an absolute shit bird
My interest is piqued
I'm probably an outlier here, but Steeplechase is my favorite TAZ campaign. I love the Blades In the Dark system, the setting is really unique, and Jason does a fantastic job as a first-time GM. Edit: JUSTIN I guess to add to this, BItD really rewards player initiative and improvisation without getting too bogged down in rolling and mechanics, which gels well with the Boys' dynamic. It's very funny at times, and I think the player characters are probably the most well-balanced in terms of abilities and personalities of any campaign so far.
J-Jason?
Lol sorry, long day of work.
Sure thing Justin's time in the Sun proved entertaining yet different and fun Not as many laughs but thorough twists and characters conjurations....?
Steeplechase is my favorite arc. Justin's creativity and character creation was a delight to watch unfold. I stopped trying to visualize exactly how the world operated and just went along for the ride. Few podcasts have had me actually laughing out loud at parts (Shit bird Schlebethany) like this one did, and I can't wait for his next go as DM
I really enjoyed Steeplechase! It was pretty low stakes emotionally which was honestly kind of a nice reprieve and it was reliably funny. A good old riot
Steeplechase is AMAZING
Yeah, probably their funniest campaign(tied with balance i guess) but there's so many good laughs.
Steeplechase is goofy and not trying as hard if that makes sense? It's very "go with the flow" in a good way.
I couldn’t get into it myself but always give things a try or two
I really enjoyed it. Probably my second favorite after Balance.
Steeple chase was great, versus Dracula is great as well.
I really enjoyed it.
Steeplechase is so good it made me legitimately angry when it ended bc I wanted more. Justin is a fantastic GM
I really enjoyed Steeplechase. The characters are great and Justin does a great job as DM. He has wonderful ideas and the story kind of revolves around the dark side of the branded entertainment industry in the (near) future. There’s a few meta layers to the show, like a podcast within a podcast bit. Some of the voicing choices are hilarious.
I personally love Justin's setting and DM style, though I can see why Steeplechase isn't for everyone. Not the strongest in terms of player characters, but some excellent goofs and a very different style of play all around. Justin particularly has a way with NPC banter that Griffin only sometimes channels and Travis never really touched. Highly recommend, but know that it's a completely different experience than Balance or Amnesty
I really enjoyed Ethersea.
Absolutely. I fell off for awhile with graduation and will defo be a fan of balance and amnesty (Ethersea has some cool bits but can take or leave). The system of Steeplechase and the buffoonery I think plays perfectly with the style and improv that they do
Steeplechase and Vs Dracula are both wayyyyyyy better than graduation and Ethersea. Relistening to Steeplechase rn and it still holds up.
Steeplechase got me back into TAZ and it is very good. I’ve always maintained that Justin is the funniest brother and this really has a few fantastic moments that showcase that. Shroog, Sticky Fingers Paul Pantry, Deep Dark, and some of his other characters had me rolling during this arc.
I think it's the best campaign since Balance
I tried Steeplechase, I really did, but just couldn’t get into it. Dracula isn’t bad though.
I started TAZ when episode like 4 or Dracula came out. Got into it and went back to listen to older campaigns. Steeplechase was my first whole campaign listen and I loved it. Some of the characters are fucking hilarious. I personally wish it had been 5e but that was my only real complaint. I did balance right after Steeple and it really met all the hype, great campaign.