Podcast Summary: Part 2: A Scourge of Bones

Series: Starter Kit: Phoenix Dawn Command
Host/GM: Keith Baker
Production: Geek & Sundry
Release Date: February 2, 2026

Episode Overview

In this thrilling continuation of the Phoenix Dawn Command campaign, the Phoenix Wing is thrown into the thick of a raging battle on the edge of a dark cliff. The team leaps literally into the chaos below, confronting both the physical challenge of survival and the supernatural terror of ancient undead—animated by a sinister purple energy. GM Keith Baker guides the players through a dynamic, narrative-driven combat sequence that showcases clever tactics, the unique mechanics of Phoenix Dawn Command, and fast-paced heroic improvisation. The episode highlights group problem-solving under duress, showcases the game's card-driven system, and sets the stage for deeper intrigue about what dark forces haunt the ruined excavation site.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Leaping into Danger – The Descent Down the Cliff

• [01:14–10:11]
  • The party (“Phoenix Wing”) must leap off a cliff into a battlefield in chaos.
  • Keith explains the card-based action system and how resource management (cards & sparks) is crucial.
  • Peli pulls off a dramatic landing by "surfing down on her book," showing off the system’s combo potential and flavor (05:03):

    “I open up my book and ride down the side of the cliff with my book.” —Peli
    “You're an extreme librarian, is what we're saying.” —Keith Baker (05:10)

  • Cronus opts for a “strategic barrel roll,” intentionally taking a wound to appear intimidating in battle.
  • Pyre attempts a direct “belly flop,” aiming to land on an enemy but hits a boulder, taking wounds and drawing extra cards due to his "bitter" aspect.

2. First Glimpse of the Undead and Camp in Chaos

• [11:22–17:17]
  • Party finds themselves in a besieged archaeological camp.
  • Scenes: burning tents, panicked laborers, an open pit with more undead crawling out, purple-glowing corpses attacking.
  • Keith sets the tone:

    “You see this desiccated corpse choking someone, probably a laborer, wearing some sort of rotting armor... what you can definitely see are sparks of purple light, especially around its hand.” —Keith Baker (12:06)

  • Players rapidly deduce that the enemy forces are both numerous and supernatural.

3. Initiative & Dynamic Environmental Combat

• [17:41–25:27]
  • Pyre gets the “torch” (initiative marker), allowing an action and the option to use dramatic environmental elements (explosive barrels, flaming tents).
  • Pyre throws an explosive barrel into the pit:

    “I'm grabbing that explosive barrel and I'm throwing it at the skeletons.” —Pyre (18:56)

    • Keith notes the possible risk to innocents; Pyre targets the pit instead.
    • Pyre’s “ruthless” trait boosts the attack, blowing up multiple enemies (22:11).
  • Players role-play noticing specific NPCs in peril (a mage with red robes, a six-year-old girl hiding behind tools) to anchor the conflict in narrative stakes.

4. Tactics, Resource Management, and Tag-Team Play

• [25:27–36:25]
  • Cronus uses environmental hazards (burning tent) to destroy more enemies, employing both strength and the “valiant” trait.
    • Memorable moment: Cronus shoves two undead into a burning tent:

      “I'd like to run up to them and push their face so that they're pushed into the tent fire.” —Cronus (25:14) “You grab two of them, shove them into the burning tent... they’re wrapped up and smoldering away.” —Keith Baker (26:39)

  • The undead’s purple energy animates both corpses and the recently murdered, raising the stakes as fallen laborers join the enemy ranks.
    • Keith: “The energy flows from him into the body of the laborer, and now you see veins of purple light flowing through him, and he stands up.” (28:44)
  • Cronus attracts most of the attacks, sacrificing possible advantages to protect less-defended teammates.

5. Showcasing Card Mechanics and Special Abilities

• [36:25–43:44]
  • Defense and attack spreads are narrated with character traits and past backstory:
    • Cronus leverages “misspent youth” to dodge an attack, citing family trauma:

      “Dodging physical assaults from my father.” —Cronus (32:13)

    • Pyre’s “bitter” trait adds wound-based bonuses to attacks.
    • Team frequently asks for clarifications on using traits and converting card suits, highlighting accessibility and depth of Phoenix Dawn Command’s mechanics.
  • Peli uses “psychometry” on a thrown tool, learning insight into the undead’s vulnerabilities:

    “Quick, use something metal—that’ll channel the force!” —Peli (44:00)

    • Burning sparks to activate vulnerabilities, giving the team an edge in the final moments.

6. Final Showdown and Aftermath

• [43:44–45:34]
  • The last undead are picked off; the party comes together, battered but victorious.
  • Pyre cleaves the final creature in two:

    “I cleave him exactly down the middle and he splits... falls apart.” —Pyre (45:04)

    • Keith sets the closing mood:

      “With that, the last one falls... The researchers huddle together, shaking, sobbing. A medic runs over to the injured.” —Keith Baker (45:11)

  • Scene closes on the heroes preparing to talk to survivors and learn the true scope of the threat.
  • Next time preview: More mysteries, unnatural ice, and ominous hints.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On creative problem-solving:

  “I open up my book and ride down the side of the cliff with my book.” —Peli (05:03) “You're an extreme librarian, is what we're saying.” —Keith Baker (05:10)

• Cinematic combat description:

  “I'm grabbing that explosive barrel and I'm throwing it at the skeletons.” —Pyre (18:56) “I'd like to run up to them and push their face so that they're pushed into the tent fire.” —Cronus (25:14)

• On the cost of power:

  “I think a little bit of blood going into battle can be intimidating, so I'm gonna let it ride.” —Cronus (06:53)

• Rising horror and intrigue:

  “The energy flows from him into the body of the laborer, and now you see veins of purple light flowing through him, and he stands up.” —Keith Baker (28:44)

• Collaborative storytelling at play:

  “Quick, use something metal—that’ll channel the force!” —Peli (44:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:14] – The team leaps into battle; combat system introduction
• [05:03] – Peli’s book-surfing landing; unique use of items
• [12:06] – First appearance of purple-glowing undead
• [18:56] – Pyre hurls an explosive barrel into the pit
• [25:14] – Cronus pushes foes into the burning tent
• [28:44] – Purple energy animates fallen laborer
• [32:13] – Cronus uses “misspent youth” defensively
• [44:00] – Peli discovers the undead’s vulnerability
• [45:04] – Pyre cleaves the last enemy; victory
• [45:47] – Teaser for next episode (unnatural ice, aftermath, intrigue)

Episode Takeaways

• Phoenix Dawn Command’s card system significantly shapes both tactics and narrative flavor, encouraging creative solutions and resource risk-reward decisions.
• The group navigates both game mechanical learning and dramatic roleplay, with Keith Baker facilitating cinematic, character-driven moments.
• The undead threat is mysterious and escalating, with new dangers and camp mysteries awaiting further exploration.
• The use of environmental elements, such as burning tents and explosive barrels, showcases the flexible storytelling style of both the group and the game system.

For Fans and Newcomers:
This episode is packed with action, improvisation, and teamwork, highlighting both the strengths of Phoenix Dawn Command and the collaborative storytelling that Geek & Sundry’s actual play series is known for. Whether you’re seeking game design inspiration or simply love a good supernatural skirmish, this session is not to be missed.