Justice Arman and Anthony Joyce discuss their collaboration on Elminster's Guide to Candlekeep, adding new magical items and creatures to the Forgotten Realms. They share insights on working with Ed Greenwood and the challenges of defining a complex location like Candlekeep.

Benjamin Cook, creator of YouTube channel Tale Foundry, joins Tyler and Imachinate to discuss the impact of apocalypses and prophecies in storytelling and world-building. They explore how disasters and prophecies shape societies, the psychological impact of supernatural catastrophes, and the use of prophecies in games like Harry Potter. The conversation delves into themes of fate, horror, and mortality, reflecting on societal reactions to predestination and the balance between fate and individual agency in narratives.

Join experts as they discuss cartography, map-making balance, historical map evolution, imperfections in map-making, misconceptions in world-building rules, tectonic plates in world-building, wind shadow effects, Andes mountains influence on wind currents, and the significance of defining the purpose of mapping in world-building.

Join Tyler, Hex, and Imachinate as they discuss artifacts and wonders. Places like Minas Tirith and items Excalibur are iconic to their setting, adding a sense of awe and depth to the lore. We will discuss why this is helpful to have, and how you might trap that essence. This episode was edited by Anna Hannon.

Join Imachinate, a lore enthusiast, and Red, a storytelling contributor, as they dissect the intricate world of The Elder Scrolls. They explore how the games blend ambiguity and personal narrative, allowing players to craft their own tales. The duo dives into the complexities of world-building, emphasizing Tamriel's diverse provinces and the fascinating lore of the Dunmer. They also discuss the unique storytelling mechanics that immerse players and the collaborative spirit essential in both gaming and tabletop role-playing, making every experience richer.

B.H. Pierce, a writer at Worldbuilding Magazine and centaur enthusiast, joins Tyler to discuss worldbuilding, maintaining logical consistency in storytelling, utilizing world building in tabletop role-playing games, and the importance of taking writing seriously. They also share tips on setting goals and researching other cultures for inspiration.

Tyler, Anna, Chris, and Inky discuss core races in fantasy fiction, exploring their origins, evolution, and societal dynamics. They delve into dwarven culture, craftsmanship, and the portrayal of races like elves and dark elves in various media. The conversation challenges traditional tropes, advocates for diverse representation, and emphasizes the importance of creating rich, multi-faceted fantasy worlds.

Join Tyler, Chris, Hex, and Imachinate as they discuss the concept of evil empire. From their rise to domination, and eventual defeat evil empires and the heroes who topple them are a long held fascination in fiction. Their rise and fall can help audiences understand your world, and are a classic backdrop to many stories This episode was edited by Adrian.

B.K. Bass, Writing Chair at Worldbuilding Magazine and Editor-in-Chief of Kyanite Publishing, shares insights on worldbuilding in sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. The conversation touches on balancing planning with spontaneity in writing and how the digital landscape changes what it means to be a successful author. Bass emphasizes the importance of humor and sensory details in immersive storytelling. He also delves into the essence of the cyberpunk genre, providing practical tips for writers to develop their unique voices.

Imachinate, a narrative expert, Rag, a character development storyteller, and Red, a villain aficionado, dive into the roles of heroes and villains in storytelling. They challenge traditional archetypes, discussing the morally ambiguous nature of characters like Rumpelstiltskin and the Joker. The trio highlights the importance of crafting layered villains that resonate with audiences while exploring the interplay between motivation and character growth. Their insights encourage a fresh perspective on the duality of heroism and villainy in storytelling.