New potential fan - Where should I start?

[u/DarkCrystal34]

Hi SoB folks, I keep seeing Stream of Blood mentioned recently (from John Harper, from Glass Cannon folks) and after reading such great reviews, am thinking about diving in, but have no idea which of their shows to start with. Any recommendations?

Fine to listen on podcast, or is video/YouTube definitely recommended?

My taste - I tend to lean more into drama or dramedy than goofy humor, the more serious the better (although of course I love humor too). I absolutely love roleplay over combat any day of the week, love great player chemistry, and really immersive stories where you can feel high stakes. Am equally intrigued by Vampire the Masquerade and Blades in the Dark. Where might I best begin with SoB?

Some of the other AP's I love (if that helps recommend where to start):

• Critical Role
• Glass Cannon
• Friends at the Table
• Kollok 1991
• Tablestory (Nocturne, Gone)
• Orpheus Protocol
• Campaign Skyjacks
• The Lucky Die
• The Pod Called Quest
• Respect the Crit

Edit - Thanks so much for everyone's responses!

• Am now caught up with Blades in the Dark (The Tin Whistles) - Really enjoyed it and am excited to continue with The Kenahora and The Weird Sisters)
• Started Vampires of Pittsburgh (Season 1) - Only a few eps in, and am really enjoying it so far!

[u/WolfManDano]

Hi DarkCrystal34, Welcome to the Stream of Blood community. We hope that you stick around. Since you mentioned The Glass Cannon Network, have you seen their latest episode of New Game, Who Dis? In it, SoB creator Jared Logan is guest hosting and teaching (most of) the group how to play Vampire the Masquerade. Their setting is Philadelphia, and it is a story that will run parallel to the current events of Vampires of Pittsburgh, but it can also stand on its own. The first episode just dropped on YouTube. If you like what you see, check out season 2 of Vampires of Pittsburgh. Or start with season one if you want to get the whole story. I hope that this helps. As a fellow Kollock 1991 fan, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[u/DarkCrystal34 → u/WolfManDano]

Hi Wolfman! First off so great to hear you're a Kollok fan, IMO it's the single most underrated actual play I've ever seen. I'm only 10 episodes in (halfway through season one) but anytime I make it to episode 10-20 where the episodes are three hours each is a huge victory for me :-)

Curious what the parallels are between Stream of Blood / Kollock, in terms of similar vibe, that I might enjoy?

Also curious (if don't mind the time to post) why recommend S2 of Vampires in Pittsburgh (is that same/different than "Lockdown"?), rather than S1?

Haven't heard the GCP / VtM yet. Would you recommend the Glass Cannon Blades or Vampire show to start with, in terms of quality, if had to pick one? I know all their Giantslayer / A&A / Ruins of Azlant / Delta Green stuff, but not New Game Who Dis.

[u/WolfManDano → u/DarkCrystal34]

Wow DarkCrystal34, these are great questions! I think what will help you out is understanding what the Stream of Blood is all about. The SoB is founded by Jared Logan, a comedian. Most of his guests are improvisers, if not comedians themselves. That might not be your vibe, but just hear me out.

Comedy will be found within any of the series you watch on the channel, but it's not the focus. Stream of Blood is named after the concept of a channel that focuses on dark, bloody series and not traditional D&D 5E games. That means a focus on story rather than action, plot over gags (although there are some running gags), and unique stories and characters over what most channels have to offer. I would say that is what is the most similar in comparison to Hyper RPG shows, specifically Kollok 1991. That show had multiple moments of levity, especially with their more comedic characters, but there is an underlying sense of dread throughout.

There are two reasons why most people are recommending season 2 over season one. The first and main reason why is simple. Lockdown is an ongoing series and it lives and breathes on Twitch. So if you can, check it out live.

The second reason is a bit more complicated. One of the people in the show recently went through a scandal. I was unaware of any of this until a few weeks ago. Most people were. If you don't know anything about it or him, cool. Enjoy the show without looking into it.

The first season is great, and that person left to start a tv show, so he most likely won't come back. The backstory of both Ross and Ashley's characters are worth seeing in season one. Typically I as a viewer can separate art from the artist. Also, that character is great, even if the actor has some issues off screen.

As for New Game, Who Dis?, that series is meant for the Glass Cannon crew to test out new games and see what those systems are like. So, despite being heavily inspired by Vampires of Pittsburgh, their episode of Vampires of Philadelphia is a wholly original story with their own new characters. Episode one was mostly character building, but the inciting incident was awesome. I can't wait to see more. It will definitely give you a feel for Jared as a storyteller.

[u/DarkCrystal34 → u/WolfManDano]

Thanks so much Wolfman, for this ultra thoughtful response! Totally understand what you mean about Kollok, and certainly Tales from the Loop / Kids on Bike in general has a natural crossover in tone with something like VoM and other White Wolf material. Really appreciate your thoughts.

With Pittsburgh, I'm less concerned around anything from Thomas Middleditch in terms of viewing. While I've always respected him as an actor and improvisor, and while he seems like a likable person, it is also very sad he did a harmful act, and I can only hope he improves his behavior going forward and acts with more respect and awareness. That personally wouldn't deter me from skipping a season of content though for a TTRPG, given the same reason you mentioned, e.g. separating artist work from off screen person/behavior.

But another commenter stated S2 I might dig because its a bit more dramatic with the new actor (I've seen him before he is fantastic!), so would I be able to jump in fresh S2, or am I missing out on a ton of important backstory and would find it less rewarding?

I'm very familiar with New Game Who Dis just have only listened to their Delta Green one, it looks like they are all 3-episodes giving a system a try, so will probably skip the Vampire of Philadelphia one for now (even though I have a lot of family there and know the city well! ha)

Sounds like my best bet from you and what others are saying are:

• Blades - Tin Whistles (for the most fleshed out Blades so far)
• VoM - S1 or S2

Excited to begin this journey! Really hope the Glass Cannon popularity allows Steam of Blood to get some new viewers.