The Adventure Zone

Travis takes the reins in this not-remotely-canonical prequel to our recently concluded Appalachian supernatural drama. This is the wildest live episode of any podcast we’ve ever done. We’re still not entirely sure what happened up there.

As we ready ourselves for the next season of Adventure Zone, we’ve got some special programming lined up for you! The first is this: Our live show from this past summer, live at the Ryman Theater in Nashville! It’s a country western space opera, or, if you will: A Space Opry. Enjoy!

The curtain rises, and the machine is exposed. The Pine Guard stands in judgment of judgment itself. Two doors — two choices — illuminate the darkness. The final episode of The Adventure Zone: Amnesty. Thank you for listening.

The defenders of Kepler, West Virginia continue their desperate struggle for survival. A world away, a softly spoken truth reverberates down a subterranean chasm. The Pine Guard’s destiny waits below. The penultimate episode of the Amnesty campaign.

Storm and fury overtake Kepler, West Virginia. Pieces of an ancient puzzle move closer together. The survivors of Sylvain’s fall take shelter. The source of an unimaginable power is revealed.

The Department of Unexplained Phenomena’s grip on Kepler’s topside begins to loosen as The Pine Guard attempts to infiltrate their compound. A deadline approaches. The Quell is waiting.

The allied forces of Kepler, WV finish their preparations for the daunting task that lies before them. As the sun sets over the shattered mountain above, wheels are put into motion.

In the wake of prophetic new information, the Pine Guard’s plan to save both of their worlds undergoes an ambitious revision. To pull it off, they’ll have to forge more than a few uneasy alliances.

As the town of Kepler recovers from an environmental disaster, the Pine Guard catch up with a long absent former member. A harrowing vision propels them into one final hunt; but can they bring potential allies together in time to stave off annihilation?

One last Lunar Interlude. As Kepler recovers from the devastation of the last hunt, the Pine Guard reflects on the events that brought them to their final confrontation.

The shadow of war looms over Kepler, West Virginia. A troubled Pine Guard must race to thwart a hundred insidious plans, all of which appear to be reaching toward a single, horrific conclusion. Duck opens the way. Aubrey takes a deadly risk. Ned writes his confession.

THE YEAR IS 20XX. Organic organisms have all but been erased from the face of Faerun. Today, a small band of resistance fighters will execute their final operation to topple their robot overlords. They will be joined by three goobers who have no idea where they are, or what’s going on, or anything, really.

The Pine Guard is scattered, in more ways than one. Kepler’s long-held secrets are coming to light over the course of a single evening. Their foe is beginning to take shape, but how much farther will they fall before they can stop it? Duck pushes the panic button. Aubrey confronts her past. Ned holds onto what little he has left.

The Pine Guard continue to chase down their target — but when said target can look or sound like anyone, how do they tell friend from foe? Duck goes on a field trip. Aubrey discovers a treasure trove. Ned makes a startling announcement.

Our heroes try to contain the spread of information through the citizens of Kepler, and try to keep their overeager allies in check. Aubrey gets stonewalled. Duck fights destiny. Ned says farewell to an old friend.

We’re back with everyone’s favorite podcast-within-a-podcast-about-the-original-podcast, as hosted by the people in said podcast! We’re answering your questions about Amnesty, Live Shows and all the other pies we’ve stuck our fingers in over the years.

The Pine Guard are scattered to the wind as their shape-shifting target wreaks havoc around Kepler. Duck tells the truth. Aubrey wields her mightiest magic yet. Ned just tries to stay alive.

Join the original rowdy boys on a quest to hold off the apocalypse — again — by confronting a deity whose machinations are too sinister to truly behold. Or, maybe, he really just wants to throw a bangin’ party. One of the two.

The Pine Guard face off against their shapeshifting quarry in precariously tight quarters, while their long-guarded secret inches closer toward the light. Aubrey joins the feds, Duck puts his board to work. Ned goes digital.

The Pine Guard negotiate with their would-be monster-hunting rivals, while the true nature of their quarry continues to elude them. Duck wears a belt. Aubrey has a tough conversation. Ned reaches out beyond the grave.

A new threat to Kepler, West Virginia makes itself known — both to the Pine Guard, and to a group less patient with its wanton destruction. Duck plays detective. Aubrey does some counseling. Ned gets seen.

A Lunar Interlude. The Pine Guard catch their breath after a hectic, fateful hunt. Ned goes car shopping. Aubrey confesses to her misdeed. Duck meets a kindred spirit.

Angus McDonald had but one item on his Candlenights list: A very special action doll of his very favorite wrestler. Unfortunately for him, Tres Horny Boys were assigned to acquire said toy. Can our three heroes fulfill the boy detective’s Candlenights wish? Or will the forces of outrageous consumer demand prove an unbeatable foe?

With an apocalyptic calamity looming over Kepler, the Pine Guard make their final preparations, and march to battle against a stationary, reality-twisting foe. Aubrey speaks to oblivion. Ned gets a taste of his own medicine. Duck says goodbye.

The Pine Guard are dialing into the identity of the abomination that's been terrorizing Kepler with accidental mayhem. But will prying eyes and woodland brawls prevent them from finally cracking the case? Duck reminisces with an old friend. Ned goes on a walk with a new friend. Aubrey threatens a rival.

BOO! That's us jumping out and surprising you with an episode that is A) One day early and B) An exquisitely spooky live adventure! It's our Halloween Special, and boy howdy, is it a wild one. Thanks to the Paramount Theater in Seattle, and everyone who came out to see us!

The Pine Guard welcomes and interrogates their new companion, and has another brush with the intangible, unlucky forces that seem to be conspiring against them. Duck teaches talking. Aubrey throws a drink. Ned threatens a book.

With another accidental catastrophe averted, The Pine Guard catch their breath and split up to take care of some mid-Hunt business. Aubrey takes some magic lessons. Ned reflects on his larcenous past. Duck makes use of the In-fur-mary.

We're running behind on the next episode of Amnesty, so in it's stead, here's our most recent live show from Atlanta, GA! Follow Tres Horny Boys and their inscrutable companion on a journey across the planes as they learn the horrible history of one of their iconic armaments.

The Pine Guard meet the voice on the other end of the prophetic phone calls, and receive a new, even more dire warning of impending disaster. Duck makes some friends in the forest. Aubrey eyes some eyeglasses. Ned hits the brakes.

A mysterious caller has warned the Pine Guard of a disaster that will befall Kepler's citizens in mere minutes. Will they be able to prevent this impending calamity? And just who was on the other end of the telephone line? Duck rushes in. Aubrey flames on. Ned discovers the awful truth.

We're headed back to the Pacific Northwest this September! Find out how to get tickets for our Seattle TAZ show (and MBMBaM in Seattle and Portland) here, and grab ticket links at mcelroyshows.com/tours! All tickets go on sale this Friday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m. PT! 

The holidays have descended upon Kepler, West Virginia. While the town prepares for its annual festivities, the Pine Guard prepares for the coming Abomination. Ned gets under the hood. Aubrey does some risky sleight of hand. Duck gets two fateful phone calls. (Thanks to Evan Palmer [@evantickles] for our new cover art!)

Our heroes receive a letter from an old friend requesting their aid on the open seas. Spurred on by the promise of incredible treasures, Tres Horny Boys set sail -- but what dangers await them beneath the ocean's waves?

A Lunar Interlude. The Pine Guard and the residents of Amnesty Lodge take a well-earned break at a local winter recreation hotspot. Aubrey meets the Hornets. Duck reveals soupy secrets. Ned logs onto the InterNed.

The Pine Guard arrive at an unlikely battleground, and face off against their shapeshifting foe. With an ominous vision predicting catastrophe, can they conquer the abomination before meeting their end in a watery grave? Aubrey taps into something new. Duck takes flight. Ned goes for a night swim.

With Amnesty Lodge and its residents in peril, the Pine Guard sets out to plan their next hunt post-haste — but can they find the strength to do so without the guidance of their absent leader? Aubrey does some recon. Duck gets the hard questions. Ned goes for a drive.

In order to defeat the abomination plaguing the waters of Kepler, the Pine Guard must first take an otherworldly field trip. Duck becomes a flyboy. Aubrey wants to touch a crystal. Ned makes his television debut. Additional music: http://www.purple-planet.com/

Travis is on vacation, so here's our live show in Dallas from earlier this year! Tres Horny Boys reunite to help out some old friends who've run into some stiff competition with their small business, and perform more than a few explosive stunts along the way.

The Pine Guard’s prey proves too elusive for them to take down with their usual methods, forcing them to turn to outside help. Like … FAR outside. Ned fights his reflexes. Aubrey flames out. Duck gets his victory fanfare.

The Pine Guard heads to the scene of last night's attack to gather valuable intel about the latest abomination -- but end up finding much, much more than they bargained for. Aubrey sees the unseen. Duck helps with the laundry. Ned takes a dive.

A new menace encroaches on Kepler, West Virginia. Have our heroes kept up with their training in the months since their last monstrous encounter? Or has this latest abomination caught them unawares? Aubrey takes a dip. Duck shows off some new moves. Ned gets airtime.

Everyone's favorite Talk Show About a Podcast Hosted By The People Who Do the Actual Podcast is back, just in time for the MaxFunDrive! We're answering your questions about the experimental arcs, and discussing our plans for season two with The Adventure Zone: Amnesty!

SEASON TWO APPROACHES. Find out what our plans are for the future of The Adventure Zone in this announcement-filled episode! Also discussed: The MaxFunDrive! Our book tour for the graphic novel (tickets go on sale very soon at mcelroyshows.com/tours)! A new The The Adventure Zone Zone! Some details on the buckwild thing Justin did for us! Some peppy piano music that came with Garageband! Tune in!

Sunlight creeps over the horizon. The Graysons are one big break away from cracking their case wide open -- but will they find their quarry before Dry River wakes up? Augustus does some spectral recon. Gandy cracks open a dangerous tome. Errol angers a friend.

The Graysons find an unexpected collaborator in their investigation of Jeremiah Blackwell's murder, but with slivers of sunrise shining down on the streets of Dry River, has their newfound luck come a moment too late? Gandy parts the veil. Augustus summons a snack. Errol meets the folks pulling the strings.

Do you live in Dallas, Atlanta or San Francisco? Do you live ... like, AROUND there? You should come see The Adventure Zone Live! We're doing podcasts all across America over the next few months, and tickets go on sale this week! You can find all the details at mcelroyshows.com/tours.

The Graysons continue their quiet investigation into the killing of Jeremiah Blackwater -- but outside interests are starting to take notice. Gandy plays a crazy game of poker. Errol ties up a quest. Augustus swears on his soul.

The Graysons set out to solve a murder in the streets of Dry River before sunrise. Augustus pulls some spectral pranks. Errol follows his nose. Gandy meets Death.

Travis takes the wheel as we create our characters for our next mini-arc, The Adventure Zone: Dust! We're playing the supernatural RPG Urban Shadows this time around. Listen in to get a brief primer on the game, our characters, and the unincorporated, Wild West-inspired town of Dry River.

Our heroes band together to hunt down the Beast terrorizing the woods outside Kepler. Ned remembers a fateful night. Aubrey receives a letter. Duck feels the weight of destiny.

Our heroes learn the whole truth of Mama's endeavors while recovering from a strange evening, and begin planning their first hunt. Aubrey remembers a relic from her past. Duck gets a late night visit from Minerva. Ned gets stuck.

Fate draws our heroes towards the same spot in the Monongahela National Forest, where, at long last, their destinies entwine. Ned has a remarkable dream. Duck travels to a strange land. Aubrey starts a fire.

Our heroes take one step closer toward their joined destinies, and learn the truth about the woods outside Kepler in their own ways. Aubrey visits the Lodge. Ned shoots a fan film. Duck gets a visit from an old friend.

Our heroes begin a fateful day in the unassuming, rural ski town of Kepler, West Virginia. Duck answers a peculiar distress call. Aubrey puts on a memorable magic show. Ned plans his next grift.

We're moving on to a new game, new genre and new world as we continue our run of experimental mini-arcs! This time around, Griffin's back in the saddle as GM as we play the Horror-Lite RPG Monster of the Week! Join us in this setup episode if you want to hear about this arc's setting, and get the 411 on our new characters.

Our heroes reconvene at an important site from their storied past to traverse a perilous dungeon. What awaits them is far more deadly than they could have imagined -- and far more ... festive?

Our heroes are joined by a familiar face as they take on a dangerous heist in another reality. ALSO: Some news about the next few experimental arcs!

Our heroes come face-to-face with the King of America in the climactic finale of our Commitment arc. Remy does those good flips. Nadiya causes some collateral damage. Kardala swears her very genuine, heartfelt loyalty.

Our heroes face their first test of combat with their newfound superpowers, with … mixed results. Kardala tells a painful joke. Remy keeps the peace. Nadiya is good out here.

Our heroes are empowered by a somewhat gross and dangerous scientific process, and are dispatched on their first mission. Remy tries to keep the peace. Nadiya picks her favorite movie. Kardala breaks free.

Our new heroes attend a corporate mixer for the Do-Good Fellowship that will change the course of their very lives. The first chapter in Clint's superhero story, taking place inside of the Fate system. Remy embarks on a slider quest. Nadiya threatens a co-worker. Irene solves a particularly difficult employee benefit issue.

As we prepare for Season Two of The Adventure Zone, we're going to be doing a handful of short-form, experimental arcs, taking turns running new games and exploring new genres. Our first experiment is a super hero story created by Dad, who's running us through the Fate system! Come learn the basics of the Fate rules, and meet the new characters we'll be playing over the next couple of episodes.

The Tres Horny Boys are dropped into a deadly virtual training program modeled after a classic D&D adventure. With the help of the Chat, can they make it through Lucas' trap-filled dungeon before their lives run out?

Earlier this year, Tres Horny Boys rolled up on Austin, Texas, and wove a tale of demons, dreamscapes and High School Drama. THIS IS THAT TALE.

Everyone’s favorite talk show about a podcast hosted by the participants in said podcast is back! This time, we’re talking about the end of the Balance campaign, answering a bunch of listener questions and talking about what’s next for the show!

Our heroes reach their journey's end. Additional Music by Reeder: https://iamreeder.bandcamp.com/

Two lights shine down from the sky. Their story passes through reality. His song fills their hearts. The world fights back. Music: "Voidfish (Plural) by Rachel Rose Mitchell - https://rachelrosemitchell.bandcamp.com/

Our heroes' memories have returned. At the end of everything, will they stand together against the encroaching darkness? Or will their past sins leave them irrevocably driven apart?

Our heroes' long, forgotten journey comes to an end.   Music: "Relic" by Reeder - https://iamreeder.bandcamp.com/

  The Hunger pursues, and our heroes escape. They’ve been keeping up the chase for decades now, evading without fail. But the Hunger’s getting faster. The journey’s getting harder. The team must take drastic steps, just to stay afloat. We’re nearly caught up, now. Merle writes his story. Magnus breaks his bonds. Taako plans a very good day.

Our heroes find themselves in a strange world where artists compete for national pride, submitting their works to a mountain that can make them known throughout the land. Can the team create satisfactory masterpieces before their year is up? Merle gets academic. Taako borrows some pearls of widsom. Magnus meets a fateful friend.

We're fairly deep into our trip down memory lane, but our heroes are no closer to figuring out how to stop the ever-evolving force that's pursuing them. With few other options, they'll have to adopt a new, remarkably costly strategy. Magnus helps out some Losers. Taako eats a fateful meal. Merle makes a powerful new friend.

Are you planning on going to San Diego Comic Con this year? Clear some time for Tres Horny Boys! We're going to be doing a live TAZ (and MBMBaM!) this year -- listen in for more details! Tickets go on sale THIS WEDNESDAY, so don't miss out!

Our heroes have earned a break, don't you think? Merle finds a place to settle down. Magnus keeps 'em on their toes. Taako dispenses some beach wisdom.

Our heroes find themselves crossing between strange, deadly, beautiful worlds, pursued by a foe they cannot comprehend. Can they grow strong enough to defeat their cosmic enemy? Or will their journey take them down a road from which they can never return? Magnus leads an expedition. Taako is tempted. Merle leads his congregation.

We're nearly at our journey's end -- but before we can understand what lies ahead, we must first return to this story's true beginning. What brought our heroes together to the crisis they face today? What happened to the memories of their dear, forgotten friends? And just how long have they been running away? Taako learns a new language. Merle eats some beans. Magnus trains under an unlikely teacher.

Hey folks! In honor of the MaxFunDrive, we decided to put out an extra episode on the off week: It's another The The Adventure Zone Zone, the world's premiere The Adventure Zone fancast, hosted by the people who make The Adventure Zone. Listen in as we answer fan questions and talk about what's next after this campaign wraps up!

Our heroes are out of time, out of options, out of places to hide. The holes in their history are starting to fill in; but are they going to like the answers they receive? We're almost caught up, now. Taako fights his fears. Merle loses faith. Magnus hears music.

Our heroes' party has just undergone a fairly shocking expansion. They're now tasked with an infiltration mission that hits close to home. As the pieces move into place for the endgame, what do our heroes hope to find -- and where do their allegiances lie? Merle goes along for the ride. Magnus faces a difficult decision. Taako makes one last deal.

Game Over. Taako makes some fashionable friends. Merle does some wordplay. Magnus remembers.

Our heroes are forced to square off against their deadliest former foes -- but their real challenge comes in the form of a danger the likes of which they've never experienced. Taako gets primal. Merle gets disconnected. Magnus gets a couple of helping hands.

Strange things are afoot in Wonderland as our heroes find themselves aided by an invisible accomplice -- but will their secret plan pop off before the boys lose something precious to the Wheel? Merle does some costly healing. Taako gets into cosmetics. Magnus forgets.

After Round One of The Suffering Game, our heroes aren't doing too great -- and with another turn of the Wheel ahead, the future's not especially bright, either. Can they keep their heads up (and on) to power through? Magnus makes an invisible friend. Merle charms the crowd. Taako makes 'em laugh.

We're all on holiday break as we spend some time with our recently expanded families, but instead of skipping a biweek, our friends at The Flop House put together a SUPER BEEFY bonus episode for us! The Hogsbottom Three, fresh off their MaxFunDrive Switcheroo debut, are up against some devious dangers whipped up by DM Stuart Wellington: an old foe, a volcanic giant and the deadliest bowl of chili ever stewed.

Wonderland has revealed itself as a genuinely unsafe place for our heroes to be. Can they make forward progress in a cyclical game designed to extract raw anguish from them? Can they reach their distant goal before they've sacrificed too much? Magnus goes spear fishing. Merle is the MVP. Taako has a spot of bad luck.

Griffin and Rachel had a baby! But that's not the only bundle of joy being delivered this week! We have a very special episode recorded live at MaxFunCon East! Our adventurers have been through a lot together, but they don't always work so well together. Well, the BoB higher ups have noticed and they've decided to do something about it! So join the fellas (and a very special guest!) as they grow closer as coworkers and friends!

Our boys survived their first encounter in The Felicity Wilds -- but will they survive the perils that await them inside of Wonderland? Or like, maybe it's not so bad in there? No, I'm just goofin'. It's pretty dang bad in there. Magnus makes a new BFF. Merle goes dark. Taako considers a job application. Music: "Storm Top Dog" by Zackery Wilson. You can find his music at soundcloud.com/zackerywilson and at zwmusic.bandcamp.com!

Travis and Teresa had a baby! We're so excited for them, but we're also very excited for YOU! Because you're about to hear a live episode we recorded in Boston this past July that turned out super, super great. Thanks to everyone in attendance, and to all our listeners for sticking with us during Trav's leave of absence!

After a summer spent tirelessly training, our heroes are finally prepared to take on their next, harrowing mission. What horrors -- or fortunes -- await them in Wonderland? I mean, this arc is literally titled "The Suffering Game," so you can probably piece it together yourself. Merle hangs ten. Taako's like a bird. Magnus drops in on an old friend.

Our heroes have some well-earned free time between missions, although some of their sidequests are a bit more relaxing than others. Enjoy it while it lasts, fellas. Taako has a date with death. Merle spends time with some VIPs. Magnus takes a swim.

  Their prize secured, our heroes look to close out their final loop in Refuge by doing something unprecedented: They try to keep everyone in town from exploding, for once. Merle does some stargazing. Taako encounters an old friend. Magnus opens a tube.

Could you resist the power to go back and change your very worst mistake? What if it meant unraveling some of the non-mistakes you've made since? Also: Imagine, for the sake of this hypothetical, that you're a complete goober. Merle runs out for smokes. Taako takes the show on the road. Magnus goes home.

With a fairly rowdy loop behind them, our heroes come face-to-face with divinity, and try their darndest not to make complete asses of themselves. With the Big Clock winding down and their prize in sight, can Tres Horny Boys save the day -- or, at least, one of the days? Merle goes deity shopping. Magnus takes a Chance. Taako lends a hand.

If our boys want to get out of this time-locked quagmire, they're going to need some divine intervention -- and the only way to get this particular god to play ball is to get up to no good. Let's hope that big wheel doesn't stop turning on this rotation, yeah? Magnus hurls a friend. Merle does horse stunts. Taako gets the gold.

Now that Refuge's destroyer has been revealed, our heroes work together to discover a way to stop it. But how many more attempts will they get at solving this, their most deadly mystery yet? Merle leads the group in prayer. Magnus plays hardball. Taako gets on his diamond grind.

Our heroes explore an extremely deadly derelict mine in an attempt to find out what's happening to Refuge every time the clock strikes noon. They do so with the usual amount of caution and grace, which is to say things go very, very, very poorly, very, very, very often. Merle makes some furry friends. Magnus finds a trap the hard way. Taako flies to Heaven.

Our heroes start to get a hang of the difficult business of repetition as they learn more about Refuge and the events that led the town to such a sorry state. How much catastrophe can they undo in 60 minutes? Certainly they can't make things worse -- can they? Taako burns some spell slots. Magnus goes Over the Top. Merle's evangelism is met with the usual reception.

What waits for our heroes on the other side of the time-stuck barrier? Seriously, what could be in there? A dragon made out of time? A parallel universe where people eat time like snack chips? A genuinely kind of innocuous, rustic town? Whatever it is, one thing's for sure: There's about to be some trouble in that bubble. Merle does some successful evangelizing. Taako gets caught red-handed. Magnus rushes in!

After a fairly morose start to the episode, our heroes are launched -- with great speed -- into a new adventure. What awaits them inside of the time-stuck anomaly? More important question: Who's ready for SUMMER FASHIONS? Merle exhibits classic Dwarven jealousy. Magnus loves a fish. Taako accidentally saves the day.