Character Ark Podcast
By Richard Bertelsen, Ted Hong
Character Ark PodcastApr 28, 2020
Character Arcana (D&D): Ep. 2: They Might be Giants
Our heroes head toward the mythical land of the giants where Grog challenges a mighty foe and Bardolomew seeks his future ex-wife.
DM/Editor: Richard Bertelsen
Grog Guzzler (Goblin Arcane Archer): Nick Slaick
Bardolomew Biggins (Halfling Bard): Bret Larimer
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"Viking" and "Dance of the U-Boat" but Aakash Gandhi
"Fresh Fallen Snow" by Chris Hagan
"Yonder Hill and Dale" by Aaron Kenny
"Gaia in the Fog" by Dan Bodan
"Resolution" by Wayne Jones
"Black Mass" by Brian Bolger
Character Arcana (D&D) C3: Ep. 1: Afterlife Crisis
Grogg Guzzler the half Goblin, half Orc Arcane Archer and Bardolomew Biggins the halfling bard, have been handsomely paid to clear a man of a mysterious magical crime.
DM/Producer: Richard Bertelsen
Grogg Guzzler: Nick Slaick
Bardolomew Biggins: Bret Larimer
Music:
"Viking" and "Dance of the U-Boat" by Aakash Gandhi
"Crusade" by Video Classica
"Thunder" by Delicate Steve
"Imperial Forces" by Aaron Kenny
"Heroe's Ascent" by Chris Haugen
Character Arcana (D&D) Ep. 10: The Child of Light
Our heroes find themselves in the middle of a war, and Armen's true purpose is revealed.
DM: Nick Slaick
Griffin Dadson/Editor: Richard Bertelsen
Armen Hammer: Ted Hong
Ummon Kowka: Bret Larimer (@Sometimes_Family on Instagram)
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"Epic Journey" by Yung Logos
"Claim of Thrones" by RKVC
"Imperial Forces" by Aaron Kenny
"The Battle of 1066" by Aakash Gandhi
"Gaia in the Fog" by Dan Bodan
"Dark Toys" by SYBS
"The Long Night" by Qunicas Moreira
"Magical Triumph" by Sir Cubworth
Alien 3
It all comes down to this. Either this is the best "Alien" film or it's the worst, and none of us agree.
Character Arcana (D&D): Ep. 8: Swallowed by the Dark
The party meets an unexpected ally as they search for the frost portal in the caves of Bilgewater. Armen gives in to his baser instincts. Griffin develops a strong connection, and Ummon faces his greatest challenge yet.
Dungeon Master: Nick Slaick
Griffin Dadson (Human Druid): Richard Bertelsen
Armen Hammer (Warforged Artificer): Ted Hong
Ummon Kowka (Tabaxi Sorcerer): Bret Larimer
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"Dark Toys" by SYBS
"Epic Journey" by Yung Logos
"Dance of the U-Boat" Aakash Ghandi
"Virtual Light" by Houses of Heaven
"Spirit of Fire" by Jesse Gallagher
"Magical Triumph" by Sir Cubworth
Minari
We find a lot to debate in this underdiscussed movie about an immigrant family finding their place in America.
Character Arcana (D&D) Ep. 7: The Solemn Scholar
Our heroes head deep into enemy territory. Armen does his best version of stealth, Ummon hears a chilling new voice, and Griffin digs in his heels.
Join us on Patreon.com/CharacterArk for the after show!
The titular Solemn Scholar was conceived with the help of @Micah_Monarch on Twitter.
Dungeon Master: Nick Slaick
Griffin Dadson/Editor (Human Druid): Richard Bertelsen
Armen Hammer (Warforged Artificer): Theodore Hong
Ummon Kowka (Tabaxi Sorcerer): Bret Larimer
Find Art, Music and other endeavors by Bret @Sometimes_Family and @Maximus_Fancyman on Instagram
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"Epic Journey" by Yung Logos
"Dance of the U-Boat" by Aakash Gandhi
"Magical Triumph" by Sir Cubworth
"Decision" by The Tower of Light
"Spirit of Fire" by Jesse Gallagher
"Dark Toys" by SYBS
The Ani-Melee Podcast! The Seven Deadly Sins
We take a look at the popular Anime, The Seven Deadly Sins, and the conversation is immediately derailed, as per usual...
Character Arcana (D&D) Ep. 6: Frogs on the Loose
Our heroes embark on their first official mission as members of The Blood Ravens! Armen receives a special gift, Ummon is enthralled by his new employer, and Griffin gets caught in a dangerous situation.
Our surprise enemies were suggested by Patron @MoseyDM on Twitter. Join us for an exclusive chat after every episode on Patreon.com/CharacterArk where we go from talking about ass play to how ancestral languages influence a fantasy setting.
Dungeon Master: Nick Slaick @CharacterArcana on Twitter
Griffin Dadson/Editor: Richard Bertelsen @CharacterArk on IG
Armen Hammer: Ted Hong www.CharacterArk.net
Ummon Kowka: Bret Larimer @Sometimes_Family and Maximus_Fancypants on IG
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"Epic Journey" by Yung Logos
"Wandering Soul" and "Dream of the Ancestor" by Ashero Fulero
"Dark Toys" by SYBS
"Dance of the U-Boat" by Askash Gandhi
Aliens (1986)
A couple weeks ago we took a look back at one of the most influential sci-fi horror films ever made. This week we continue with that very same franchise to take a look at one of the most influential sci-fi action films ever made. Nick Slaick joins Ted and Richard once again as we re-watch the entire "Alien" franchise. In our Second installment, we watch "Aliens" (1986)
Character Arcana (D&D) Ep. 5: Jinx
Our heroes are officially inducted into The Blood Ravens Guild. A blacksmith strikes a chord with Ummon and hints at the ancient knowledge that powers Armen's weapons. Griffin must confront his past.
The Blacksmith in this episode was named for, and inspired by, the excellent homebrew work of Jinx. You can find their amazing work at gjxjinx.wixsite.com
@j.i.n.x.g on Instagram
@GJX50215912 on Twitter
Our Usual Player:
Dungeon Master: Nick Slaick (@Characterarcana on Twitter)
Griffin Dadson/Editor (Human Druid): Richard Bertelsen (@CharacterArk on Instagram)
Ummon Kowka (Tabaxi Sorcerer): Bret Larimer (@Maximus_Fancyman on Instagram)
Armen Hammer (Warforged Artificer): Ted Hong (Characterark.net)
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"Epic Journey" by Yugos Logos
"A Night Alone" by Tracktribe
"Hero's Ascent" by Chris Hagen
"The World's Fair" by Godmode
"Kiss the Sky" by Aakash Gandhi
"The Sleeping Prophet" by Jesse Gallagher
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home" by Cooper Canell
"Miyo San Kyoku" by Doug Maxwell / Zac Zinger
Soul
Pixar has proven again and again that they have the chops to deliver a powerful emotional punch, but they may have bitten off more than they can chew in their latest movie.
Character Arcana (D&D) Ep. 4: Family
Our heroes grieve a tragic loss in an epic battle. Ummon learns an uncomfortable secret, Armen makes a new friend, and Griffin must go Dad-to-dad with another dad.
Check out our NPC friends on Twitter @TheSpellPod and @Waylays_Melees
Join us at the table for a talk after the episode on Patreon.com/CharacterArk
Featuring:
Dungeon Master: Nick Slaick
Griffin Dadson (Human Druid and Editor): Richard Bertelsen
Armen Hammer (Warforged Artifcer): Ted Hong
Ummon Kowka (Tabaxi Sorcerer): Bret Larimer (on Instagram @Sometimes_Family and @Maximus_Fancyman)
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"Epic Journey" by Yugos Logos
"Dance of the U-Boat" by Aakash Gandhi
"Elegy" by Wayne Jones
"The New Order" and "Christmas Homecoming" by Aaron Kenny
"Communicator" by Reed Mathis
"Snack Time" by The Green Orbs
"Large Smile Mood" by Nico Staf
Episode Art from Pixabay by the artist: Thommas68
Alien (1979)
Welcome to Aliencast! Between new releases, we're going back for a closer look at one of Sci-Fi and Horror's most influential film franchises! We're joined by Nick Slaick to talk about one of cinema's most storied franchises.
Wonder Woman 1984
It's no secret that this movie has got some problems, and we're almost too angry to talk about it coherently...
Character Arcana (D&D) Ep. 3: Lady Lordship
Ummon's dark secret is revealed, Griffin meets his heroes, and Armen aims to lure a new pet as our heroes learn of a grave new threat.
Join us at the table after the show for a behind-the-scenes discussion of what happened in each episode by visiting Patreon.com/CharacterArk
Featuring:
Dungeon Master: Nick Slaick
Griffin Dadson/Editor (Human Druid): Richard Bertelsen
Armen Hammer (Warforged Artificer): Ted Hong
Ummon Kowka (Tabaxi Sorcerer): Bret Larimer (@Maximus_Fancyman and @Sometimes_Family on Instagram)
Original Music: "Threat" by Richard Bertelsen
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"Epic Journey" by Yugos Logos"Dark Toys" by SYBS
"Spirit of Fire" and "Lord of Dawn" by Jesse Gallagher
"Spirit of the Dead" and "Dance of the U-Boat" by Aakash Gandhi
"Cartoon Bank Heist" by Doug Maxwell
"Claim of Thrones" by RKVC
"God Fury" by Anno Domini Beats
Tenet
I would warn about spoilers, but everything is so convoluted that I can't imagine it being a problem. Join two huge Christopher Nolan fans as they discuss his absolute worst film.
Character Arcana (D&D) Ep. 2: Gnomes in a Trench Coat
Our heroes continue on their quest to become Blood Ravens! Ummon shows off his skills, Griffin spots some unexpected guests, and Armen takes a tumble.
Join us after the show on THE SECOND WIND where we discuss the appropriate height of gnomes, inner demons, and whether real boys feel pain... You can find The Second Wind at www.Patreon.com/CharacterArk
Featuring:
Dungeon Master: Nick Slaick (@CharacterArcana on Twitter)
Griffin Dadson (Human Druid): Richard Bertelsen (@CharacterArk on Instagram)
Armen Hammer (Warforged Alchemist): Ted Hong (CharacterArk.net)
Ummon Kowka (Tabaxi Sorcerer): Bret Larimer (@Sometimes_Famliy on Instagram)
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"London Fog" by Quincas Moreira
"Epic Journey" by Yung Logos
"I'll Remember You" by Jeremy Blake
"Once Was" by Kwon
"Magical Triump" by Sir Cubworth
"Mission Start" by The Brothers Records
"La Danse de Femme" by The Mini Vandals
"Collapsing All Around" by Amulets
"Ode to Joy" by Cooper Cannel
"Dream of the Ancestor" by Asher Fulero
"When We Found the Horizon" by Late Night Feeler
"The New Order" by Aaron Kenny
Ani-Melee Podcast! The Promised Neverland
Ted introduces both Richard and Nick to the child-harvesting of "The Promised Neverland!"
Character Arcana (D&D) C2: Ep 1. The Blood Ravens
Our adventure starts here! Welcome to the city of Reyori! Three strangers make their way to the city's famous coliseum in order to earn their place as heroes of the local adventuring guild.
NOTE: All future episodes of our Dungeons and Dragons Audio Adventure Podcast will be available in it's own podcast feed (search "Character Arcana" wherever you listen to podcasts).
Support us at Patreon.com/CharacterArk for bonus content!
Featuring:
Dungeon Master: Nick Slaick (@CharacterArcana on Twitter)
Griffin Dadson (Human Druid)/Editor: Richard Bertelsen (@CharacterArk on Instagram)
Armen Hammer (Warforged Artificer): Ted Hong (www.CharacterArk.net)
Ummon Kowka (Tabaxi Sorcerer): Bret Larimer (@Sometimes_family on Instagram)
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"Epic Journey" by Yung Logos
"Morning Joe" by Patino
"With a Rose in Your Teeth" by Nathan Moore
"Tumbleweed Texas" by Chris Haugen
"Dark Toys" by SYBS
"Magical Triumph" by Sir Cubworth
"Snack Time" by The Green Orbs
"Cartoon Bank Heist" by Doug Maxwell/Media Rights Productions
"Once Was" by Kwon
"Cuckoo Clock" by Quincas Moreira
"The New Order" by Aaron Kenney
"Kiss The Sky" by Aakash Gandhi
The New Mutants
Lets talk about the black sheep of Disney's Marvel and Fox acquisitions! What went right? What went wrong? And how does "The New Mutants" fit into the future of superhero movies?
Character Arcana (D&D) Campaign 2: Ep. 0
WELCOME TO CAMPAIGN 2! We have a preview of the upcoming first episode of Season 2 followed by a discussion where you can meet the players and get special insight into our characters and the world of Feydrasil!
The D20 necklace mentioned in the discussion portion of the episode came from http://stephenswoodworks.com/ Visit them for the coolest custom table top gaming hardware!
Armen's custom weapon was inspired by a design by @j.i.nx.g on Instagram, @GJX50215912 on Twitter. Check them out for all your sweet homebrew goodness needs.
Dungeon Master: Nick Slaick (@CharacterArcana on Twitter)
Griffin Dadson/Editor: Richard Bertelsen (@CharacterArk on IG)
Armen Hammer: Ted Hong(www.CharacterArk.net)
Ummon Kowka: Bret Larimer (@Maximus_Fancyman on IG)
Borat Subsequent Movie Film
Borat's back, and so are we to discuss his most recent adventure!
The Trial of the Chicago 7
Join us as we engage in a thoughtful discussion of this extremely important and timely new film from Netflix and Aaron Sorkin
The Ani-Melee Podcast! Re: Zero - Starting Life in Another World
Ani-melee is our new podcast where two anime lovers force their friend who doesn't like anime at all to watch all their favorite shows!
In this episode Ted introduces both Richard and Nick to a whole new world as we watch "Re: Zero - Starting Life in Another World."
Character Arcana (D&D): Ep. 12: Peace. Love. The End.
CAMPAIGN ONE FINALE!
Our heroes must face their greatest threat yet: The complete unraveling of the material realm. Can our heroes survive the wrath of the demon-lord Bael? Join us for the epic conclusion of Season One!
Dungeon Master: Richard Bertelsen
Mendell Sands: Nick Slaick
Doug Saucepotts: Ted Hong
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"The Long Night" by Quincas Moreira
"The Last Train to Mars" by Dan Lebowitz
"Lord of Dawn," "Angel Guides," "The Inner Sound," and "Spirit of Fire" by Jesse Gallagher
"The Black Cat" by Aaron Kenny
"Cartoon Bank Heist" by Doug Maxwell
"Heist Me" by Everet Almond
"Dark Toys" by SYBS
"When We Found the Horizon" by Late Night Feeler
"Confusing Disco" by Birocratic
"Magical Triumph," and "First Sleep" by Sir Cubworth
"Dance of the U-Boat," and "Heavenly" by Aakash Gandhi
"Epic Journey" by Yung Logos
"Anton" by Dan Bodan
"I'll Remember You" by Jeremy Blake
"Serenity" by Audionautix
The Devil All The Time
Join us this week as we talk about all the horrible stuff that went down to lil' Tommy Holland back in the 1960s.
The Ani-Melee Podcast! Soul Eater
We're back for another round! Two anime lovers try to convince their very skeptical friend that their favorite anime shows are actually good!
This time we watch "Soul Eater"
Character Arcana (D&D) Ep. 11: Hoodwinked
Join us for the Penultimate Episode of Season One! Alabaster finds true love, Mendell starts a revolution, and Doug fights for the souls of his family.
Dungeon Master: Richard Bertelsen
Doug Saucepotts (Tiefling Rogue): Ted Hong
Mendell Sands (Human Cleric): Nick Slaick
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"Last Train to Mars" by Dan Lebowitz
"I'll Remember You" by Jeremy Blake
"Snack Time" and "Splashing Around" by The Green Orbs
"La Danse Fetish de Femme" by The Mini Vandals
"Anton" by Dan Bodan
"Magical Triumph" by Sir Cubworth
"Elli's Home Stretch" by The Great North Sound Society
"The Long Night" by Quincas Moreira
"Dark Toys" by SYBS
"The Machine Assembly" by The Whole Other
"Dance of the U-Boat" and "Serenity" by Aakash Gandhi
"Lord of the Dawn" by Jesse Gallagher
Ex Machina
This week we get all wrapped up in a conversation about the only good science fiction film starring both Oscar Isaac and Domnall Gleeson.
Introducing: The Ani-Melee Podcast! Parasyte: The Maxim
Join us for our brand new podcast where two anime lovers try to convince their very skeptical friend that their favorite anime are actually good!
First up: "Parasyte: The Maxim!"
Featuring:
Ted Hong, Richard Bertelsen and Nick Slaick
Episode Art by Nick Slaick
Palm Springs
Join us as we discuss this hilarious gem of a film. You know the deal, this isn't a review, it's a discussion of the characters that make this movie so great. That means spoilers all around!
Character Arcana (D&D): Ep. 10: The Trickster God
In this brand new episode of our D&D adventure podcast: Alabaster finds herself a Thicc Boi and Mendell meets his maker, but Doug suspects foul play!
Dungeon Master: Richard Bertelsen
Doug Saucepotts: Ted Hong
Mendell Sands: Nick Slaick
Alabaster Chernobyl: Abby Bryington
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"London Fog" by Quincas Moreira
"Last Train to Mars" by Dan Lebowitz
"Claim of Thrones" by RKVC
"Dark Toys" by SYBS
"Magical Triumph" and Monster at the Door" by Sir Cubworth
"The Black Cat" by Aaron Kenny
"Mer-Ka-Ba," "Angel Guides," and "The Lord of Dawn" by Jesse Gallagher
"Snack Time" by The Green Orbs
"Collapsing All Around" by Amulets
Additional sound effects from Freesound.org
The Old Guard
This week, we discuss the new Netflix original movie, "The Old Guard." It's pretty good, but does any of it make any sense?
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil
THEATERS ARE STILL CLOSED! That means we get a perfect opportunity to revisit a cult classic. Join your usual band of heroes, along with special guest Nick Slaick, as we discuss the comedy/horror classic, "Tucker and Dale vs. Evil."
Character Arcana (D&D) Ep. 9: The Golden Dragon
As our heroes befriend a bizarre turtle man and face off against a mighty dragon, Mendell gets clever with his use of magic, Alabaster walks straight through the piss, and Doug has a master plan to try and claim the third and final totem.
Dungeon Master: Richard Bertelsen
Doug Saucepotts (Tiefling Rogue): Ted Hong
Mendell Sands (Human War Cleric): Nick Slaick
Alabaster Chernobyl (Dragonborn Paladin): Abby Bryington
Music from YouTube Audio Library:
“Claim of Thrones” by RKVC
“Epic Journey” by Yung Logos
“Spirit of Fire” by Aakash Gandhi
“Confusing Disco” by Birocratic
“Outside Visitors” by Sarah, The Illstrumentalist
“London Fog” by Quincas Moreira
“Last Train to Mars” by Dan Lebowitz
Additional sound effects from Freesound.org
Doctor Sleep
This week we discuss the surprisingly impressive sequel to "The Shining." However, the film has just a few things that hold it back from being the true masterpiece that is its predecessor.
Onward
This week we discuss the pitch-perfect Pixar adventure that is bold enough to ask the question: What if you could bring your dad's dangly bits back for just one day?
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
This week we are joined by Nick Slaick as we discuss the newest DC animated film! Go watch the movie first, because we dive into spoilers that include who of your favorite heroes get horrifically dismembered. Also, Dick Grayson's biggest fan has a few things to say about Nightwing representation.
Blow the Man Down
This week we watched a film with a unique and fascinating voice. Go and watch "Blow the Man Down" and then join us for our discussion!
Resident Evil (2002)
Movie theatre's are still shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking of outbreaks, this week we took this opportunity to revisit a movie that we greatly anticipated when we were much younger and oh so naive.
Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God (The Movie)
We've got another quarantine episode of the movie podcast! Did you know that there was a sequel to the Dungeons and Dragons movie? Of course you didn't! No one did! Let's talk about it.
Character Arcana (D&D): Ep. 8: Pandemonium
Mendell is caught in a war, and not the one he expected. Alabaster and Doug unearth an ancient evil.
Good Time
We use the quarantine to take a look back at the film that put the "Uncut Gems" directors, The Safdie Brothers, on the map. Does 2017's "Good Time" deserve the hype?
Bad Education
We manage to wrangle a new release in the time of COVID-19! Join us as we discuss the phenomenal construction of HBO's latest film release. You may never have known that you wanted to see Wolverine as a corrupt, low-level public servant, but you do... You do...
Extraction
Like a brooding Australian with a death wish, we dive into the new Netflix film, "Extraction," in which Chris Hemsworth absolutely destroys a group of children.
*We are in quarantine times, and there was quite the thunderstorm outside my house during part of this recording. It doesn't render anything difficult to hear, but it is that low rumble that you may pick up on from time to time.
Dungeons & Dragons (The Movie)
This week we take a look back at Dungeons & Dragons, THE MOVIE. If you didn't know that this was a thing that happened, buckle up and have a listen. We are joined this week by special guest Mendell Sands. I mean, Nick Slaick.
The Frighteners
We've got a special bonus episode today where we navigate COVID-19 by watching an old favorite of ours. Join our more casual discussion of an unusual classic!
Character Arcana (D&D): Ep. 7: The Infernal Symbol
Our heroes are deep undercover! Alabaster tries to infiltrate the cathedral. Doug encounters an ancient mystery, and Mendell tries to win over The Paladins.
Dungeon Master: Richard Bertelsen
Alabaster Chernobyl: Abby Bryington
Mendell Sands: Nick Slaick
Doug Saucepotts: Ted Hong
Music from Youtube Audio Library:
"London Fog" by Quincas Moreira
"Last Train to Mars: by Dan Lebowitz
"Window Demons" by Roljui
"Invitation to the Castle Ball" by Doug Maxwell
"The Machine Assembly" by The Whole Other
"The Long Ascent" by Cooper Cannell
"Epic Journer" by Yung Logos
Mid90s
Caught in the Quarantine, this week we discuss a movie released before movie theater's shut down. Join us 90's kids as we look at a film that shines a light on growing up without a clear purpose.