Podcast Title: Critical Role & Sagas of Sundry
Episode Title: Reimagining Blood on the Clocktower w/ Becca Scott | Quests N’ Answers
Host: Dan Casey
Guest: Becca Scott
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Quests N’ Answers, host Dan Casey welcomes the multifaceted gaming extraordinaire, Becca Scott, to the conversation dungeon. Becca, renowned for her roles in Dimension 20, Good Time Society, and various Geek & Sundry productions like Game the Game and Goblin Mode, delves into her extensive experience in the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) community.
Becca Scott's Journey into TTRPGs
Dan and Becca kick off the discussion by reminiscing about their collaborative experience on Goblin Mode. Becca shares her inception into the TTRPG world, highlighting her first game:
Becca Scott [02:20]: "The very first one I ever played was run by Ivan Van Norman on a Twitch show at Geek and Sundry called No Survivors. Some charity or something. It was like some gumshoe detective thing."
Becca's early immersion under Ivan Van Norman's guidance set the stage for her passionate involvement in the gaming sphere.
Philosophy on Character Creation
Becca emphasizes the importance of crafting bold and unconventional characters to propel storytelling forward. She explains her approach:
Becca Scott [03:36]: "When it comes to character creation, I always want to play something I've never played before... I can't make the boldest choice possible to move the story forward because... you need to keep the story moving from A to C at all points."
This philosophy stems from her improv background, ensuring dynamic and engaging narratives.
Running Games: Audience vs. Home Settings
Transitioning to her role as a game master, Becca distinguishes between hosting for an audience and facilitating home games. She notes the additional layers of preparation required for public showcases:
Becca Scott [05:19]: "Going into something, I may roll the dice, see what's on the sheet, see what needs to be filled in to have a complete party that makes sense... I want to give a good show."
Becca underscores the balance between structured storytelling and allowing player agency, especially when the narrative is broadcasted to a broader audience.
Adapting Blood on the Clocktower into a Series
A significant portion of the conversation centers on Becca's ambitious project to transform the social deduction game Blood on the Clocktower into a televised series, titled Good Time on the Clock Tower. She elaborates on the game's unique mechanics and the challenges of adapting it for visual storytelling:
Becca Scott [18:01]: "Blood on the Clocktower is the best version of that game that has ever existed... everyone on the good team or the evil team has a unique ability... there's a perfect mix of social deduction, but it has enough mechanical elements that I have never had to feel bad after this game."
Dan inquires about the logistical aspects of filming such a game, to which Becca responds by discussing their pilot episodes and the technical intricacies of capturing private conversations and maintaining continuity across episodes.
Good Time Society and Parlor Room on Dropout
Becca also highlights her role as CEO of Good Time Society and introduces her latest endeavor, Parlor Room, a new board game show on Dropout. She shares insights into the show's development, aesthetic vision, and collaborative efforts:
Becca Scott [30:38]: "It's the same thing whether or not the cameras are rolling. You just get to not worry so much for filling that dead time... it's about ending relationships. No, just kidding."
Her passion for creating immersive and visually engaging content shines through as she describes the Victorian aesthetic inspired by Ms. Havisham and Alice in Wonderland.
Game Recommendations and Insights
In the latter part of the episode, Becca offers a slew of game recommendations catering to various interests and group dynamics:
- Critter Kitchen: A crafting meal game with cute animal food critics.
- Decrypto: An advanced version of Codenames focusing on deciphering numerical codes.
- Fallen London: A narrative-rich game set in a surreal version of London.
- Blades in the Dark: Praised for its unique approach to storytelling and flashback mechanics.
- Dune by Modiphius: A TTRPG adaptation of the classic sci-fi series.
- Crafting the Cosmos & Marbles: Resource management games emphasizing strategic planning.
She provides detailed descriptions, enhancing listeners' understanding and enticing them to explore these titles.
Final Thoughts and Community Engagement
Becca concludes by stressing the significance of play in both personal well-being and community building. She reflects on how her work with Good Time Society fosters a joyful and collaborative environment:
Becca Scott [16:26]: "Remembering that the world is so full of struggle, it is important to remember to engage the part of our brain that is meant to be utilized that we forget about as we get older... our childlike nature is what brings us the greatest joy."
Dan and Becca encourage listeners to engage with the community, participate in game nights, and explore the vast landscape of TTRPGs and board games.
Conclusion
This episode of Quests N’ Answers offers a deep dive into Becca Scott's extensive experience in the gaming industry, her innovative approaches to game mastering, and her visionary projects like adapting Blood on the Clocktower for television. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the TTRPG scene, Becca's insights provide valuable perspectives on storytelling, community building, and the evolving landscape of interactive entertainment.
Notable Quotes:
- Becca Scott [03:36]: "I can't make the boldest choice possible to move the story forward because... you need to keep the story moving from A to C at all points."
- Becca Scott [18:01]: "Blood on the Clocktower is the best version of that game that has ever existed..."
- Becca Scott [16:26]: "Our childlike nature is what brings us the greatest joy and that the whole point of the world is to bring the greatest joy to the greatest number of people."
Find More:
- Good Time Society: goodtimesociety.com
- Parlor Room on Dropout: Available on Dropout’s streaming platform
- Good Time on the Clock Tower: Ongoing Kickstarter campaign details available through Good Time Society’s official channels
Join the conversation, explore new games, and immerse yourself in the magical realms of storytelling and play with Becca Scott and the Good Time Society community.
