The gods are fading
The divine beings are facing their demise, not due to natural causes, but as victims of a malicious force. The aftermath of the Great Divine War has left the world depleted of its magical essence, awaiting the arrival of a predicted hero. However, this tale focuses on a different narrative — the story that precedes the prophesied savior. It revolves around Ever and Rake, two individuals known as Godkillers, navigating a world devoid of answers until they cross paths.
Introducing Godkiller: Balance
Debuting in August 2024, Godkiller: Balance stands out as a prestigious drama actual play podcast that delves into themes of grief and its detrimental effects on individuals. This limited series boasts a lineup of guest performers embodying the roles of the gods, including Brennan Lee Mulligan, Matt Mercer, Arabia Iyengar, Anjali Bhimani, Luis Carazo, and Christian Navarro. While these established names deliver emotionally captivating performances, the heart of the show lies in the trio of core cast members: Gina Susanna as Ever, Jannes Wessels as Rake, and Em Carlson in various supporting roles.
A journey of self-discovery
Across 20 episodes, audiences immerse themselves in the parallel paths of Ever, a compassionate yet determined individual seeking a cure for a personal loss, and Rake, a character obedient to the will of his divine mother. As they grapple with their inner turmoil, they find solace and reflection in each other, realizing that the pursuit of redemption can either uplift or shatter them.
Noteworthy Performances
Jannes Wessels’ portrayal of Rake’s internal struggles draws parallels to the complexity exhibited by Theon Greyjoy’s Reek in Game of Thrones. Gina Susanna’s portrayal of Ever captures a spectrum of emotions with finesse, transitioning from moments of tenderness to depths of despair seamlessly. Em Carlson’s expertise as a mental health professional shines through in her role, fostering a space for profound role-playing dynamics.
A nuanced narrative
Godkiller emerges as a holypunk dark fantasy creation of Connie Chang, offering a deliberate and contemplative storytelling style. The series delves into themes of emotional turbulence, addiction struggles, and surrealism, urging listeners to delve into the emotional depths it explores. Content warnings precede each episode to prepare audiences for the intense topics covered.
Episodic Unraveling
While technically a prequel to Godkiller: Oblivion, Balance maintains a standalone narrative that welcomes newcomers into its intricate world. Viewers familiar with BlackwaterDND’s main campaign will encounter subtle connections to the shared universe. With half of the limited series already released, there’s ample opportunity for new listeners to catch up before the narrative progresses further.
Where to Tune In
Episodes of Godkiller: Balance premiere biweekly on BlackwaterDND’s podcast platform and across various podcasting services, providing accessibility to eager audiences.