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A human written, narrated, and created podcast about the setting for the Sagaborn Roleplaying game and the Dark Return Setting.
- Narrated by Laura Bielaczyc
- Music by Dane Clark Collins
- Written by Michael Bielaczyc
The Tales of the Dark Return: The Grey City of Kowal brings to life the grit, history, and hidden stories of Kowal, the Grey City of Uteria. Once the jewel of the East, Kowal thrived as a center of iron and tritium trade, its forges fueling the armies of kingdoms across Atheles. Today, its streets echo with both the weight of its industrial past and the whispers of revolution, survival, and change. The podcast dives deep into this living, breathing world, offering listeners an immersive experience into its districts, people, and struggles.
Hosted in the voice of Sundaiya Kotas, innkeeper of the Alley Cat and a voice of resistance, the Kowal Podcast blends lore, narrative, and firsthand storytelling. Each episode explores not only the history of the city and its rulers, but also the daily lives of its people—the heroes, outcasts, and workers who shape Kowal’s identity. Listeners are guided through the maze of the Squats, the smog-choked Chimneys, and the quiet halls of the Walled Tower, where politics and power play out.
What makes the Kowal Podcast unique is its blend of fantasy storytelling and world-building. It is part audio guide, part living history, and part dramatic retelling of events in Uteria, a world scarred by the Dark Return. The podcast doesn’t just share stories—it puts you in the middle of them, inviting you to walk the same streets, face the same dangers, and uncover the same secrets.
Whether you’re a fan of immersive fantasy worlds, a tabletop role-playing enthusiast, or simply someone who loves rich storytelling, the Kowal Podcast is your gateway into the Grey City. Step into the alleys, meet its people, and hear the tales that define a city on the edge of change.
For more about the city, and for use in your TTRPG adventures visit the DarkReturn.com