S3E9: Iron Rising Series Talkback | A Starforged Actual Play

Step behind the scenes of Iron Rising Season 1 as the cast dissects the devastating conclusion to our Starforged actual play. In this talkback, we dive deep into the creative "bleed" and emotional exhaustion of the finale, exploring how the sibling bond between Dorian and Selene fractured under the weight of duty and ideology.We also discuss our evolution from heavy session prep to a more fluid, "fast and loose" style, the mechanical challenges of inevitable PvP, and the world-building tools that brought the districts of Hyperion City to life.==CAST==Maia Wilson: https://bsky.app/profile/maiasgameroom.bsky.socialMichael Gilbert: https://bsky.app/profile/morkallgm.bsky.social==COMPANION BLOG==https://starforged-iron-rising.bearblog.dev/iron-rising-episode-8-the-choice/==THE GAME==https://tomkinpress.com/pages/ironsworn-starforgedSupport the show: https://ko-fi.com/maiaw

Everything comes to a head as Selene and Dorian stand at the edge of a choice that will define who they are beyond rank, family, and doctrine. ==CAST==Maia Wilson: https://bsky.app/profile/maiasgameroom.bsky.socialMichael Gilbert: https://bsky.app/profile/morkallgm.bsky.social==COMPANION BLOG==https://starforged-iron-rising.bearblog.dev/iron-rising-episode-8-the-choice/==THE GAME==https://tomkinpress.com/pages/ironsworn-starforgedSupport the show: https://ko-fi.com/maiaw

Trapped in the icy silence of the Venture following their violent fallout, the Kelvarus siblings attempt to navigate their fractured bond through peace offerings and guidance from home. As they approach the derelict Calypso, a confession about the target’s true nature forces them to confront whether duty to the state outweighs the loyalty of blood.==CAST==Maia Wilson: https://bsky.app/profile/maiasgameroom.bsky.socialMichael Gilbert: https://bsky.app/profile/morkallgm.bsky.social==COMPANION BLOG==https://starforged-iron-rising.bearblog.dev/iron-rising-episode-7-peace-offerings/==THE GAME==https://tomkinpress.com/pages/ironsworn-starforgedSupport the show: https://ko-fi.com/maiaw

Selene and Dorian push the investigation as far as it will go, only to find themselves locked in a tense deadlock. The hunt pauses, not because it’s over, but because both sides are waiting to see who blinks first.==CAST==Maia Wilson: https://bsky.app/profile/maiasgameroom.bsky.socialMichael Gilbert: https://bsky.app/profile/morkallgm.bsky.social==COMPANION BLOG==https://starforged-iron-rising.bearblog.dev/iron-rising-episode-6-stalemate/==THE GAME==https://tomkinpress.com/pages/ironsworn-starforgedSupport the show: https://ko-fi.com/maiaw

This episode explores the secret pasts of the Kelvarus siblings through two defining flashbacks. In the Violet District, Selene reveals a hidden desire to be as unburdened as a legendary "Sable" during a private meeting with the artist Kaelle (KAY-elle). Simultaneously, the origins of Dorian’s bond with the Red leader, Ross, are unmasked during a high-stakes game at the Pulse Lounge, where a fateful wager binds them to the impending "Fool's Gambit".==CAST==Maia Wilson: https://bsky.app/profile/maiasgameroom.bsky.socialMichael Gilbert: https://bsky.app/profile/morkallgm.bsky.social==COMPANION BLOG==https://starforged-iron-rising.bearblog.dev/iron-rising-episode-5-the-fools-gambit/==THE GAME==https://tomkinpress.com/pages/ironsworn-starforgedSupport the show: https://ko-fi.com/maiaw

While Selene celebrates a breakthrough in the hunt for the Red leader, Dorian faces the mounting pressure of a secret that could shatter the trust between the Kelvarus siblings. As they prepare to leave Hyperion City for the derelict dreadnought Calypso, a deep-dive into surveillance data brings them face-to-face with an impossible truth.==CAST==Maia Wilson: https://bsky.app/profile/maiasgameroom.bsky.socialMichael Gilbert: https://bsky.app/profile/morkallgm.bsky.social==COMPANION BLOG==https://starforged-iron-rising.bearblog.dev/iron-rising-episode-4-my-brothers-lie/==THE GAME==https://tomkinpress.com/pages/ironsworn-starforgedSupport the show: https://ko-fi.com/maiaw

A failed hack leaves Dorian in critical condition. As Selene stabilizes him, a digital ghost from the past reveals the android uprising is personal.==CAST==Maia Wilson: https://bsky.app/profile/maiasgameroom.bsky.socialMichael Gilbert: https://bsky.app/profile/morkallgm.bsky.social==COMPANION BLOG==https://starforged-iron-rising.bearblog.dev/iron-rising-episode-3-system-shock==THE GAME==https://tomkinpress.com/pages/ironsworn-starforgedSupport the show: https://ko-fi.com/maiaw

A routine investigation spirals fast as Selene and Dorian chase their first real lead into the Blue District. Nothing goes to plan, and the cracks in their perfect record start to widen.==CAST==Maia Wilson: https://bsky.app/profile/maiasgameroom.bsky.socialMichael Gilbert: https://bsky.app/profile/morkallgm.bsky.social==COMPANION BLOG==https://starforged-iron-rising.bearblog.dev/iron-rising-episode-2-false-start/==THE GAME==https://tomkinpress.com/pages/ironsworn-starforgedSupport the show: https://ko-fi.com/maiaw

In the shining metropolis of Hyperion City, two Golds enforce the order that built their world—until cracks begin to show beneath the polish.==CAST==Maia Wilson: https://bsky.app/profile/maiasgameroom.bsky.socialMichael Gilbert: https://bsky.app/profile/morkallgm.bsky.social==COMPANION BLOG==https://starforged-iron-rising.bearblog.dev/iron-rising-episode-1-order-is-gold/==THE GAME==https://tomkinpress.com/pages/ironsworn-starforgedSupport the show: https://ko-fi.com/maiaw

Two siblings sworn to protect order. One secret that could destroy it. Iron Rising is our co-op Starforged story told in full collaboration between its two players.---In the hierarchical metropolis of Hyperion City, the Gold caste rules from gleaming towers while the Reds toil in the shadows below. Selene and Dorian Kelvarus serve the system that raised them—but when one of them begins to question its perfection, the foundation of their world starts to crack.Episodes 1 & 2 premiere Thurs, December 4, 2025.---PlayersMaia WilsonMichael Gilbert---Game: Ironsworn StarforgedSupport the show: https://ko-fi.com/maiaw