Audio Fiction Dot C O Dot U K

Trailblazers


Web <link> from RSS feed:

http://www.tblazer.net/

Database link:

http://www.tblazer.net/

RSS Feed:

https://feed.podbean.com/trailblazerspodcast/feed.xml

Creator: Caleb Garofalo


Synopsis:

An actual-play ttrpg podcast in the style of an audio drama.


Format:

Continuity:

Voices:

Genres:

Framing device:

Maturity:

Creator demographics:

Character demographics:

Content warnings (creator selected):

Country of origin:

Transcript details:

Click here to update these tags.



Episodes:

S1:C1:E1 - A Brush with Death

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 07:03:41 -0400

Trailblazers is a actual-play podcast but it's so much more than just the recording of a bunch of guys playing a tabletop RPG. It's edited and produced to reflect something more akin to a TV show or an audio-drama. Join us as we encounter Emperors, Dragons, Liches, and much more!

Note that you're about to listen to the first few episodes of this podcast where I'm still getting my editing bearings, the production improves with time and you'll be greatly rewarded for sticking with us through the production hiccups/

If you want to jump straight to a polished production consider turning into Season 2. It also has a different feel to it as we change from a world of exclusive fantasy, to a world that combines fantasy and sci-fi elements to deliver an adventure featuring conspiracies, a city forever shrouded in darkness, and a world of bio-engineered citizens! So if sci-fi is more your thing give it a try.


S1:C1:E2 - A Brush with Death

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 07:15:33 -0400

Clockwork Soldier: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Clockwork_Soldier.jpg

Clockwork Servant: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Clockwork_Servant.jpg


S1:C1:E3 - A Brush with Death

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 07:35:46 -0400

Alexandra Mahone: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/Alexandra_Mahone

Emperor Valerian Mengsk: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Valerian_Mengsk_1.jpg

Praetorian Guard Face Plate: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Valerian_Mengsk_3.png

Fenix Augustgrad (The Rider): http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Fenix_Augustgrad.jpg

Horned Men: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Horned_Men.png


S1:C1:E4 - A Brush with Death

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 07:35:52 -0400

Land of the Horned Men: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Land_of_the_Horned_Men.jpg


S1:C1:E5 - A Brush with Death

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 07:36:14 -0400

Ashlands: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Ash_Lands.jpg

Sinspawn: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/de/99/1a/de991a294512aeb9f2846de5f59510f2.jpg


S1:C1:E6 - A Brush with Death

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 07:36:22 -0400

Sorry for the short episode, there was a host of technical problems.

Bodak: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/d2/68/a2/d268a2542f160036163ed0046ee09d23.jpg

Attic Wisperer: http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs20/f/2007/297/e/c/Attic_Whisperer_by_nJoo.jpg

Scarlett (Blood Golem): http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Skarlett.jpg


S1:C2:E1 - To Antioch and the North

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:38:52 -0400

Map: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:World_Map_%28names%29.png

Clockwork Dragon: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Clockwork_Dragon.jpg


S1:C2:E3 - To Antioch and the North

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:39:56 -0400

No pictures this episode.


S1:C2:E4 - To Antioch and the North

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:40:31 -0400

Setsuko: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Setsuko_1.jpg

Soldier: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Vet.png


S1:C2:E5 - To Antioch and the North

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:40:50 -0400

Jaren: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Jaren.jpg

Tanlu: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Tanlu.jpg


S1:C2:E6 - To Antioch and the North

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:41:34 -0400

Jaren: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Jaren.jpg

Specialist Gordon Ramsey: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Gordon_Ramsey.png

Chainsaw Maniac: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Chainsaw_Maniac.jpg


S1:C2:E8 - To Antioch and the North

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:42:29 -0400

Antioch: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Antioch.jpg

Setsuko's Mask: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Setsuko_Mask.jpg

Tomb of Ob'Nixilous: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Tomb_of_Ob%27Nixilous.jpg


S1:C3:E5 - My Kingdom for a Ring

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:46:50 -0400

Lady Otsoa: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Otsoa.png


S1:C3:E6 - My Kingdom for a Ring

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:47:11 -0400

Lady Otsoa: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Otsoa.png

Fukushima: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Fukushima.jpg


S1:C3:E7 - My Kingdom for a Ring

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:47:30 -0400

Oroku Saki: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Oroku_Saki_2.jpg

Ashitaka: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Ashitaka.png


S1:C4:E1 - Against All Odds

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:48:23 -0400

This Episode was remastered on 4/4/21.


S1:C4:E2 - Against All Odds

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:48:56 -0400

This episode was remastered on 1/4/22. Note: I could only do so much with David and Dom's voice for the first 30 minutes.


S1:C4:E4 - Against All Odds

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:49:56 -0400

This episode was remastered on 5/19/24.


S1:C5:E3 - This War of Mine

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:51:23 -0400

Valerian: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Valerian_Mengsk_1.jpg

Kaizer Soze: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Kaizer_Soze_1.jpg

FuChiSuiKa: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:FuChiSuiKa.jpg


S1:C5:E4 - This War of Mine

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:51:36 -0400

Mal'Ganis: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Mal%27Ganis.jpg

Braum: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Braum.jpg


S1:C5:E7 - This War of Mine

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:52:21 -0400

Valerian: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Valerian_Mengsk_1.jpg

Salamander: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Salamander.png


S1:C5:E8 - This War of Mine

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:52:34 -0400

Mal'Ganis: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Mal'Ganis.jpg

Setsuko: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Setsuko_3.jpg


S1:C5:E9 - This War of Mine

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:53:02 -0400

Valerian: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Valerian Mengsk 1.jpg

 

Paperwork Given to Party:

Map: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:SCP_Floor_Plan.png

Containment Protocols: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/SCP_Foundation

List of SCPs: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/Known_SCPs


S1:C5:E10- This War of Mine (SEASON FINALE!)

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:53:28 -0400

Paperwork Given to Party:

Map: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:SCP_Floor_Plan.png

Containment Protocols: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/SCP_Foundation

List of SCPs: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/Known_SCPs


Season 1 Q&A (part 1)

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:55:02 -0400

This is a Q&A session with Caleb, David, and Dom that occurred directly after the finale.


Season 1 Q&A (part 2)

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:55:44 -0400

This is a Q&A session with Caleb, David, and Dom that occurred a year after the finale. We answer fan-submitted questions.


S2:C1:E1 - Grim Happenings

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:56:18 -0400

Season Two has arrived, and with it a brand new cast! Missed Season One? That's fine, this story takes place with no need for you to be famaliar with anything that happend in Season One. In Season One we encountered Emperors, Dragons, Liches, and much more! Now watch as we change from a world of exclusive fantasy, to a world that combines fantasy and sci-fi elements to deliver an adventure featuring conspiracies, a city forever shrouded in darkness, and a world of bio-engineered citizens!

 

Lanris: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Lanris_Malieaus.png

Victor: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Victor_Irons.jpg

Booker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Booker_Sylva.jpg

Baron Samedi: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Baron_Samidi_1.jpg

Members of the A.A.A.: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/A.A.A.


S2:C1:E2 - Grim Happenings

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:56:44 -0400

Members of the A.A.A.: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/A.A.A.

Totenmaske: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Totenmaske.png

Conspiracy Tracker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Conspiracy_Tracker_Episode_2.jpg


S2:C1:E7 - Grim Happenings

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:58:52 -0400

Members of the A.A.A.: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/A.A.A.

Baron Samedi: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Baron_Samidi_1.jpg

Conspiracy Tracker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Conspiracy_Tracker_Episode_7.jpg


S2:C2:E3 - The Upside Down Tree

Tue, 05 Sep 2017 07:00:00 -0400

Members of the A.A.A.: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/A.A.A.

Conspiracy Tracker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Conspiracy_Tracker_Episode_11.jpg


S2:C2:E4 - The Upside Down Tree

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 07:00:00 -0400

Members of the A.A.A.: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/A.A.A.

Conspiracy Tracker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Conspiracy_Tracker_Episode_12.jpg


S2:C2:E5 - The Upside Down Tree

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 06:00:00 -0500

Members of the A.A.A.: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/A.A.A.

K.S. Cappella Crew: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/K.S._Kapella_Crew

Conspiracy Tracker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Conspiracy_Tracker_Episode_12.jpg


S2:C2:E6 - The Upside Down Tree

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 06:00:00 -0500

Members of the A.A.A.: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/A.A.A.

K.S. Cappella Crew: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/K.S._Kapella_Crew

Conspiracy Tracker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Conspiracy_Tracker_Episode_13.jpg


S2:C2:E7 - The Upside Down Tree

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 06:00:00 -0500

Members of the A.A.A.: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/A.A.A.

Coba's Drink: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Last_Drink.jpg

Conspiracy Tracker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Conspiracy_Tracker_Episode_13.jpg


Trailblazers Trailer

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 14:46:10 -0500

In Season One we encountered Emperors, Dragons, Liches, and much more! Season Two changes from a world of exclusive fantasy, to a world that combines fantasy and sci-fi elements to deliver an adventure featuring conspiracies, a city forever shrouded in darkness, and a world of bio-engineered citizens. This is not your average dungeon crawler!


S2:C3:E3 - Psycho Squad

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 16:40:00 -0500

Graffiti: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Slender_Graffiti_2.jpg

Conspiracy Tracker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Conspiracy_Tracker_Episode_19.jpg


How I Edit the Podcast

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 22:47:52 -0500

This episode covers the editing techniques I use to edit an episode of Trailblazers. 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.

  1. We record the episode. We use a free program called audacity that allows us to record our audio. Christian and I both use the “U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone” made by CAD. Tim uses the “Q2U USB Microphone” made by samson.
  2. After the episode is recorded Christian & Tim export their audio on the insane quality preset. Exporting turns the audio recording into a usable file, in this case we use mp3. Christian & Tim send me the mp3 over google drive.
  3. I import Christian & Tim’s audio file into audacity. This takes about 1 minute for every 60 min of audio, per each individual audio file.
  4. 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 some of the files to line them up. 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.
  5. 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 none of us 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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, jokes that don’t land or out of game speech that I feel aren’t worth keeping in. I move audio around if we recorded a portion out of order. I add sound effects & music and edit them. I extend silences between speech if they need to be longer than the quarter of a second truncate silence made them. As well as a few other such things. During this time I also silence the audio of people who aren’t talking which is very time consuming. If I didn’t have to silence the audio this would take maybe half the time, for every one person speaking I have to stop the playback and highlight the other two files and silence them. Editing for content takes about 1 min for every 27 seconds of audio.
  8. 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 for Tim I boost his base but lower his treble. This takes about 1 min for every 34 min of audio, per each individual audio file.
  9. 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.
  10. I import the intro music, 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.
  11. I write and record the intro, and repeat steps 5, 7, 8, and 9 to it. In other words I apply noise reduction, edit out the retakes and silences, equalize it, and compress it. Then I put it at the start of the episode. This usually takes around 13 minutes.
  12. I export the project into a single mp3 on the insane quality preset. This takes about 1 min for every 16 min of audio.
  13. 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 & tim’s audio to publishing the podcast takes about a little less than triple the length of the raw audio. 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 edited episode is little less than 50% as long than the raw audio we recorded.

Episodes with a lot of combat takes more time to edit and result in a smaller percentage of final audio length. That’s because there’s a lot of things that happen in combat that are uninteresting and need to be edited out.


S2:C3:E4 - Psycho Squad

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 06:00:00 -0500

Roll 20 Invite: https://app.roll20.net/join/2992459/o-pfGg

Conspiracy Tracker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Conspiracy_Tracker_Episode_20.jpg


S2:C3:E7 - Psycho Squad

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 23:01:00 -0400

Lanris' Shadow: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Bogeyman.png

Lanris Current Apperance: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Lanris_2.png

Conspiracy Tracker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Conspiracy_Tracker_Episode_23.jpg


S2:C4:E5 - The Distant Dragon

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 07:00:00 -0400

Shiera King: https://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Shiera_King_1.jpg

Bogeyman: https://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Bogeyman.png

Conspiracy Tracker: http://pdd.wikia.com/wiki/File:Conspiracy_Tracker_Episode_29.jpg


Season 2 Q&A (part 1)

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 06:00:00 -0500

This is a Q&A session with Caleb, Christian, and Tim that occurred directly after the finale.


Season 2 Q&A (part 2)

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 16:29:43 -0500

This is a Q&A session with Caleb, Christian, and Tim that occurred a year after the finale. We answer fan-submitted questions. The campaign lasted from 10/14/16 - 7/30/17.


Season 1 is Being Remastered!

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:28:26 -0400

Listen to learn how we are remastering Season 1 and some episodes of Season 2.


S3:C1:E1 - Unfamiliar Friends

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:02:21 -0400

Season 3 brings players and characters from each season of Trailblazers including the home game that started the world, and tasks them with saving this world which they've fought so hard for in the past, often on different sides. Familiar faces and brand new characters, returning heroes and reoccurring villains all come together in this thrilling conclusion of this story arc spanning three seasons!


S3:C1:E2 - Unfamiliar Friends

Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Season 3 brings players and characters from each season of Trailblazers including the home game that started the world, and tasks them with saving this world which they've fought so hard for in the past, often on different sides. Familiar faces and brand new characters, returning heroes and reoccurring villains all come together in this thrilling conclusion of this story arc spanning three seasons!


S3:C1:E3 - Unfamiliar Friends

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Season 3 brings players and characters from each season of Trailblazers including the home game that started the world, and tasks them with saving this world which they've fought so hard for in the past, often on different sides. Familiar faces and brand new characters, returning heroes and reoccurring villains all come together in this thrilling conclusion of this story arc spanning three seasons!


Presenting: Tideblazers

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 23:26:50 -0400

Tideblazers is a mini-series taking place in the Sea of Thieves word, using the Sea of Thieves TTRPG system. Our pirates will find themselves smack dab in the middle of adventure as they seek to claim the reward money for figuring out what is behind the strange new phenomena that has begun to ravage the seas - the mysterious FLASH! Want to find out what happens next? Visit www.TBlazer.net to find a list of the ways you can listen, or search "Tideblazers" on your favorite podcatcher.


S3:C1:E4 - Unfamiliar Friends

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:49:26 -0400

Season 3 brings players and characters from each season of Trailblazers including the home game that started the world, and tasks them with saving this world which they've fought so hard for in the past, often on different sides. Familiar faces and brand new characters, returning heroes and reoccurring villains all come together in this thrilling conclusion of this story arc spanning three seasons!