Power Word Fail - D&D Actual Play
Power Word Fail is a fantasy actual play D&D 5e podcast powered by lush character dynamics, arcane mystery, and the hilarity of the players’ table. Take arms and take heed: all actions have consequences in the world of Power Word Fail. Our first campaign, Chosen of the Crystal Crown, is helmed by DM Cody Smith, with cast members Tyrell Nye, Austin Brady, Nathan Heard, Andi Casuras, Katie Franks, and Ian Davis. This is a Homebrew Podcast. Learn more at actualplaypods.comYou can support the show at patreon.com/thehomebrewJoin the discord @ discord.gg/thehomebrewpodcastIf you are enjoying the show, plea...
S1 E81 · Fri, January 26, 2024
Ep64 - Epilogue
Join the crew as we discuss Power Word Fail's epilogue: what happens immediately after the campaign and what legacy do the characters leave?
S1 E80 · Mon, January 08, 2024
Ep63 Part 2 - Endings and Beginnings
The Failures’ journey began in a cave, with a dragon. It will end the same way.
S1 E78 · Mon, December 18, 2023
Ep63 Part 1 - Endings and Beginnings
The Failures finally make it to the Kyln settlement in the Trakari Wilds. A night of joy and celebration follows as Fyrric and Idalia choose a new future together.
S1 E77 · Mon, December 11, 2023
Ep62 Part 2 - Minor Gods and Major Decisions
The Failures emerge from Castle Everton to find the city greatly changed. As they journey north, the party discusses what comes next for them, and Fyrric and Idalia decide what they want their future to look like.
S1 E76 · Mon, December 04, 2023
Ep62 Part 1 - Minor Gods and Major Decisions
Fresh from their victory over the Harbinger of Change, the Failures hope to return to their own plane and get some well-earned rest. The Dark Matron has other plans.
S1 E75 · Mon, November 27, 2023
Ep61 Part 2 - The Harbinger of Change
The Failures finally come face to face with the Harbinger. A battle ensues, and Atrales’ mind is opened to some of what’s happening behind the curtain.
S1 E74 · Mon, November 20, 2023
Ep61 Part 1 - The Harbinger of Change
The Failures question their prisoner and devise a bold plan to confront the Harbinger at last, but the snake cultists aren’t quite done with them yet. Fyrric makes a fateful choice regarding the task Zorla laid before them.
S1 E73 · Mon, November 13, 2023
Ep60 Part 2 - Brahm and Jerry
The Failures debate the wisdom of unleashing a magical sword upon the world, discover a complicated new friend, and make some typically chaotic decisions.
S1 E72 · Mon, November 06, 2023
Ep60 Part 1 - Brahm and Jerry
The party ventures into the first floor of Castle Everton, where they grapple with the morality of display cases, actually execute on a battle plan for once, and try not to burn down the library.
S1 E71 · Mon, October 30, 2023
Ep59 Part 2 - The Basement of Secrets
The Failures continue to explore the dungeons below Castle Everton, have more skirmishes with the snake cultists, and learn more about the fate of the Wormleys and the importance of bathtubs with lids.
S1 E70 · Mon, October 23, 2023
Ep59 Part 1 - The Basement of Secrets
The Failures continue fighting their way through the basement of Castle Everton. They confront some familiar enemies and have to unravel the mystery of how to move forward.
S1 E69 · Mon, October 16, 2023
Ep58 Part 2 - Have Fun Storming the Castle!
Battle in the basement . Following Pkelz’ little-evil-man-in-her-head intuition, the Failures descend into the lower levels of Castle Everton and finally find a fight worth picking.
S1 E68 · Mon, October 09, 2023
Ep58 Part 1 - Have Fun Storming the Castle!
The party makes a move . The Failures begin their infiltration of Castle Everton. They make some bold guard-related choices and learn more about what’s going on behind the Wormleys’ walls.
S1 E67 · Mon, October 02, 2023
Ep57 Part 2 - The Castle Plan
The Wrinkles of Time. The Failures take a proactive approach to a problem (for once) and head for the Mayor’s Castle.
S1 E66 · Mon, September 25, 2023
Ep57 Part 1 - The Castle Plan
An investigation on several fronts . The Failures do some snooping, first on the new threat of the Harbinger, and then on the dark history of an old friend.
S1 E65 · Mon, September 18, 2023
Ep56 Part 2 - Untarnished Sunshine of the Pristine Soul
Harbinger of Change . The Failures plot some murder and begin getting to the bottom of the strange goings-on in Everton.
S1 E64 · Mon, September 11, 2023
Ep56 Part 1 - Untarnished Sunshine of the Pristine Soul
A spot of soup and intel . The Failures enjoy the hospitality of the Everton’s Oasis faction, and do a bit of shopping.
Bonus · Mon, August 28, 2023
Power Word Chill LIVE - Level 9!
Another live episode of Power Word Chill - the show about the show! The cast does a live level up to bring the Failures up to Level 9, and chats about Atrales, the events of Episode 55, and divine conspiracy theories.
S1 E62 · Mon, August 21, 2023
Ep55 Part 2 - A Perfectly Normal Town
A hero’s story. The Failures have a difficult conversation over breakfast and an enlightening conversation with the mother of a lost companion.
S1 E61 · Tue, August 15, 2023
Ep55 Part 1 - A Perfectly Normal Town
The bard-off and the bad deal. On their first night in Everton, the Failures are unexpectedly confronted by the past of a long-lost friend (in more ways than one).
Bonus · Mon, August 07, 2023
Power Word Chill LIVE
A very special live episode of Power Word Chill, the show about the show! The cast answers fan questions and discusses the campaign so far.
S1 E60 · Mon, July 31, 2023
Ep54 Part 2 - The Bad Trip
A head full of evil men. Pkelz goes on a traumatizing quest of self-reflection. In the morning, the Failures forge ahead to Everton and (reluctantly) pick up a traveling companion.
S1 E59 · Mon, July 24, 2023
Ep54 Part 1 - The Bad Trip
Not-quite-a-bridge-troll, not-exactly-a-good-idea. The Failures encounter rough roads, bad weather, and a very suspicious character on their way to Everton. Ambrose proposes a plan to delve deeper into Pkelz’ strange memories.
S1 E58 · Mon, July 17, 2023
Ep53 - Onward from Ortimal Part 2
Fantasy icebreakers. The party hits the road once again. Conversations around the campfire that night lead to unexpected revelations.
S1 E57 · Tue, July 11, 2023
Ep53 - Onward from Ortimal Part 1
Introductions and late night visitors. The Failures are reunited and learn more about their new companions. During the night, they have a strange encounter with the inhabitants of a nearby pond.
S1 E56 · Mon, July 03, 2023
Ep52 - A Day in the City Part 2
Chase scenes and new friends . The Failures flee the consequences of their actions . . . again. Along the way, they receive aid from an unexpected source.
S1 E55 · Mon, June 26, 2023
Ep52 - A Day in the City Part 1
In which the Battle Buggy is invented . The Failures go incognito (sort of) to attend the Ortemalian Games and finally get a glimpse of the Rock of Bristoll.
Bonus · Tue, June 13, 2023
Recap: Our Story Thus Far
If you're just joining us - start out here! Join us LIVE on Youtube! Premiering June 18th https://www.youtube.com/@thehomebrewdnd
S1 E53 · Tue, June 06, 2023
EP51 - Ortimal
The Master and the mangled gnomes. The Failures make their way to the capital of the Concurrent Theocracy, and get an unexpected lead on an ongoing mystery.
S1 E52 · Tue, May 30, 2023
EP50 - At Rest
After the mines . The Failures put themselves back together following the deadly conflict with Tarsian and the Dark Matron.
S1 E51 · Tue, May 23, 2023
EP49 - Bad Blood
So take a look at what you’ve done . The terrible battle with the Dark Matron concludes.
S1 E50 · Tue, May 16, 2023
EP48 - The Dark Matron
Through the portal. The Failures open a door and finally confront the enemy they have come so far to find.
S1 E49 · Tue, May 09, 2023
EP47 - Au Gratin
The consequences of poking cave potatoes. The Failures battle their most unusual enemy yet.
S1 E48 · Tue, May 02, 2023
EP46 - Beware the Potatoes
Chaos in the caverns. The Failures continue their exploration of the mines. They uncover some long-buried secrets and poke some obviously-evil vegetables.
S1 E47 · Tue, April 25, 2023
EP45 - The Matron’s Mine
And the importance of elevator maintenance. The Failures begin their descent into the underground caverns of the Dark Matron. As always, things immediately go wrong.
S1 E46 · Tue, April 18, 2023
EP44 - Midnight Interrogation
An assassin’s story. The Failures question their prisoner from the ambush. They learn a little about him, and a lot about each other.
S1 E45 · Tue, April 11, 2023
EP43 - Stranger Danger
Camping is fun . On the second night of travel toward the Concurrent Theocracy, the Failures camp beside a river and finally get introduced to the other party traveling the same road.
S1 E44 · Tue, April 04, 2023
EP42 - The Jacobsons
Context is everything. The Failures finally depart from the grand city of Mournstead. On their way out of town, they make a stop at Eugene’s parents’ house and an appropriate amount of chaos ensues.
S1 E43 · Tue, March 28, 2023
EP41 - A Night at the Li-BAR-y
Research mode activated . Ambrose leads the party on a quest to understand the Royal Library’s organizational system. After a wild and crazy night of mining for lore, the Failures decompress in their own unique ways.
S1 E42 · Tue, March 21, 2023
EP40 - It’s Free Real Estate!
A deep dive into fantasy tax law . The Failures head to dinner with Cornelius Abernathy, who offers them an unexpected gift. Navara takes steps toward repairing more than one broken soul.
S1 E41 · Tue, March 14, 2023
EP39 - We Three Kings
So say the Heroes of Mournstead. The Failures make an ambitious proposal to the Golden Council regarding Mournstead’s next ruler. A new arrival in the city brings news of the past and hope for the future.
S1 E40 · Tue, March 07, 2023
EP38 - We Need to Talk About Kelvin
Let’s get the mob’s perspective. The Failures pay Pkelz’s family a visit to learn more about the candidates for the next king of Mournstead. Everyone’s favorite gnomish political operative has some secrets revealed.
S1 E39 · Tue, February 28, 2023
EP37 - Snakes, Secrets, and Midnight Snacks
Lore! Confessions! Mournstead Toast! Vilvanus’ stories about the good old adventuring days have surprising relevance to the present. Navara and Idalia bond, Pkelz and Miroz trauma dump, and Fyrric gets gloriously drunk.
S1 E38 · Fri, February 24, 2023
EP36 - Two by Two
Always split the party . The Failures spread out in the city for an afternoon. Idalia and Pkelz do some shopping, Fyrric and Miroz have a heart to heart at the Black Rose, and Ambrose and Navara visit the Abernathy Estate.
S1 E37 · Tue, February 14, 2023
EP35 - The Kingmakers
Guess we’re politicians now. The Failures meet with the Golden Council to discuss the issue of succession. The candidates for the new ruler of Mournstead are presented, and the party is put on the spot to make a choice.
S1 E36 · Tue, February 07, 2023
EP34 - House Party
A night of respite. The Failures celebrate their victory and their sweet new home base by (accidentally) throwing a party. The political machinations of Mournstead’s elite don’t give them much time to rest.
S1 E35 · Tue, January 31, 2023
EP33 - Such Sweet Sorrow
Confessions and funerals. The Failures spend an afternoon navigating their grief and guilt, uncovering some painful truths, and honoring those who fell at Zeos’ hands.
S1 E34 · Tue, January 24, 2023
EP32 -The Saviors of Mournstead
What happens after. With their battle won, the Failures and the city of Mournstead have more questions than answers. The party returns to the Abernathy estate only to find a reminder that Zeos was not the only evil in the world.
S1 E33 · Tue, January 17, 2023
EP31 - Your Tears Don't Fall
They crash around me… The prolonged battle with Zeos and his monsters reaches its deadly conclusion. Miracles and losses abound.
S1 E32 · Tue, January 10, 2023
EP30 - You Want a Battle?
Here's a war! The Failures’ showdown with Zeos at the royal court continues. When pushed to his breaking point, the tyrant of Northwatch proves even more dangerous than expected.
S1 E31 · Tue, January 03, 2023
EP29 - Another One Bites the Dust
Are you ready for this? The Failures get one chance to sway the Queen of Malindor to their cause. Their visit to the royal court changes the course of their future – and everyone else’s.
S1 E30 · Tue, December 27, 2022
I'm Dreaming of a Silent Night - A Homebrew Network Holiday Special
Welcome to the Homebrew Network's HolidA.I. Special! Join our unlikely heroes from across the multiverse as they teach Tiny Tommy the true meaning of the holidays.
S1 E29 · Tue, December 20, 2022
EP28 - Of the Mournstead Abernathys
A father’s love. The Failures bring grim tidings to Cornelius Abernathy and ask for aid in gaining the ear of the Queen. Evangeline’s family (somehow) proves even more complicated than previously thought.
S1 E28 · Tue, December 13, 2022
EP27 - Bombs, Stabbings, and Croissants
Well, that’s one way to cause a ruckus. Idalia channels her grief into (dubiously) productive action, and the Failures plot against the looming threat of Zeos.
S1 E27 · Tue, December 06, 2022
EP26 - I Keep My Visions to Myself
A less-than-restful night . The Failures’ evening of respite is riddled with bad omens, a conversation with the Prince, and dreams of darkness, both past, and future.
S1 E26 · Tue, November 29, 2022
EP25 - Facing New Problems
Let’s burn some bridges. The Failures report the threat of Zeos to Commander Boussant, lead a chaotic chase through the city, and decide to put their best faces forward in the coming days.
S1 E25 · Tue, November 22, 2022
EP24 - Family Reunion
Daggers and The Dagger . Pkelz introduces the Failures to “the family,” and dark news drives the party to the Ivory Guard.
S1 E24 · Tue, November 15, 2022
EP23 - Mournstead
A shopping episode, at last. The Failures (finally) arrive in the shining city of Mournstead. They explore the market district and make a very useful and interesting friend.
S1 E23 · Tue, November 08, 2022
EP22 - The Heroes’ Light
A well-earned rest . The Failures find more than they bargained for in Marcus’ farmhouse. After a very eventful night, they resume the last leg of their journey.
S1 E22 · Mon, October 31, 2022
EP21 - The Farmer and His Wife
My hatred gave birth to this. After the crystal dragon is defeated, the truth about Marcus and his family is revealed. The Failures return to the farm for a night before continuing on to Mournstead.
S1 E21 · Mon, October 24, 2022
EP20 - The Crystal Dragon
A battle in the caverns. The Failures fight for their lives against a formidable enemy.
S1 E20 · Mon, October 17, 2022
EP19 - Reflection
Shadows of the Past. The Failures explore the caves beneath the mountain temple. They confront their own pasts in one cavern, and the farmer’s in another.
S1 E19 · Mon, October 10, 2022
EP18 - For The One I Love
...I would do anything.” The Failures spend an afternoon resting, snooping on the farm they saved, connecting with each other, and then starting the dragon hunt.
S1 E18 · Mon, October 03, 2022
EP17 - Spunkelz
Congratulations are in order. Spunk and Pkelz welcome an additional complication into the very-complicated lives of the Failures, and the party makes an eventful entrance to a farm on the road to Mournstead. Today's episode is sponsored by Nine Heavens Press! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nineheavenspress/undying-corruption-a-korean-5e-adventure
S1 E17 · Mon, September 26, 2022
EP16 - What’s in the box?
Nothing shady to see here. As they make their way to Ambrose’s hometown, the Failures get to know each other better and have a fateful interaction with a traveler on the road.
S1 E16 · Mon, September 19, 2022
EP15 - Of Horses, Bananas, And Other Things
The night after Northwatch. The Failures make their way to Mournstead, reacquaint themselves with Strudel, and choose which paths to walk next.
S1 E15 · Mon, September 12, 2022
EP14 - Welcome to the Resistance
Northwatch’s secrets revealed. A new friend shares what she knows of Commander Zeos and the forces that oppose him. Meanwhile, the Failures plot his downfall while trying not to fall apart themselves.
S1 E14 · Mon, September 05, 2022
EP13 - Frankly, Miss Scarlett . . .
. . . I don’t give a damn. The party discovers something hidden below Northwatch, and are quickly discovered themselves. A reunion is had, trust is given, and a new enemy (or friend) is made.
S1 E13 · Mon, August 29, 2022
EP12 - Aftermath
So it goes. The Failures grieve and then pick themselves up. The party continues through the sewers, seeking answers and finding something else.
S1 E12 · Mon, August 22, 2022
EP11 - Dust To Dust
A random encounter. Our heroes encounter something below Northwatch. The bill for their hubris finally comes due.
S1 E11 · Mon, August 15, 2022
EP10 - Happy Little Strudel Trees
Be the absurdity you wish to see in the world. The Failures forge a chaotic path into Northwatch. Along the way, they confront some soldiers, conceal some horses, and ruin one specific gnome’s day.
S1 E10 · Mon, August 08, 2022
EP9 - “We Have a Big Problem”
The Failures fall apart. Differences of perspective and morality boil over as the party is strained to a breaking point. A goodbye is said, harsh words are spoken, and six very different people have to find enough common ground to move forward.
S1 E9 · Mon, August 01, 2022
EP8 - Drug Abuse Resistance Education
Just say no. Christopher and Evangeline process their encounter with Commander Zeos while the rest of the party comes to blows with the nefarious individuals outside of Northwatch.
S1 E8 · Mon, July 25, 2022
EP7 - A Simple Plan
Evangeline gone wild. The Failures split, Evangeline and Christopher venture into Northwatch to buy some horses, and the rest of the party “accidentally” gets involved in the illegal drug trade.
S1 E7 · Mon, July 18, 2022
EP6 - Ponies and Pastries
Big Brother is watching. The Failures conclude their battle with the tree people and proceed along their path. Along the way, they discuss moral quandaries, negotiate for a depressed purple horse, and learn more about the leader of Northwatch.
S1 E6 · Mon, July 11, 2022
EP5 - South to Northwatch
Shut up, Dingleberry. The Failures decide what comes next. Christopher unleashes his powers to prove himself a hero, Pkelz receives a mysterious letter, and the party begins their trek south.
S1 E5 · Mon, July 04, 2022
EP4 - I Do Not Speak of Death…
“...I sing it.” On their last night in Farrington, Ambrose and Evangeline clash, tensions rise between Pkelz and Miroz, and Spunk takes a bath while Fyrric woos a barmaid (accidentally). Dark and mysterious dreams plague the party as morning fast approaches.
S1 E4 · Mon, June 27, 2022
EP3 - What Have We Done?
Some decisions have fangs. The Failures awake in a town turned upside-down. Miroz reunites with an old friend, Spunk and Fyrric find an unlikely companion, and Ambrose and Evangeline confront their differences.
S1 E3 · Mon, June 20, 2022
EP2 - Trial of Valor
“That is the point of freedom.” To prove themselves worthy of the legacy of the Crystal Court, the party enters their final trial. They find a crown, fight a battle, and decide what kind of heroes they want to be.
S1 E2 · Mon, June 13, 2022
EP1 - Leap of Faith
Drugs are wild . Six people wake up in a jail cell with no memory of how they got there. Somehow, things just get worse (and weirder).
S1 E1 · Sat, June 04, 2022
EP0 - Campaign 1 - Chosen of the Crystal Crown
Meet the Failures. Meet the cast, the characters, and the world of Telthar.
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