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)
- Memorable moment: Cronus shoves two undead into a burning tent:
- 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.
- Cronus uses environmental hazards (burning tent) to destroy more enemies, employing both strength and the “valiant” trait.
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.
- Cronus leverages “misspent youth” to dodge an attack, citing family trauma:
- 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.
- Defense and attack spreads are narrated with character traits and past backstory:
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)
- Keith sets the closing mood:
- 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.
