feed02.fireside.fm Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:56:23 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Unwritten Earths Symposium https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:55:27 -0700 Welcome to the Unwritten Earths Symposium! In each episode, tabletop RPG designers Nathan D. Paoletta and Epidiah Ravachol try to trick each other into designing a game they wouldn't otherwise make. en-us © 2026 Unwritten Earths Symposium, LLC episodic Discovering and designing genre-defining tabletop RPGs. Unwritten Earths Symposium Welcome to the Unwritten Earths Symposium! In each episode, tabletop RPG designers Nathan D. Paoletta and Epidiah Ravachol try to trick each other into designing a game they wouldn't otherwise make. false TTRPG, tabletop, games, rpg, design, game design Unwritten Earths Symposium provost@unwrittenearths.com The Wisdom Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/35 6a720c1e-62a0-41f5-80c8-ca4fedb31751 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 35 The Wisdom Episode full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium As is tradition on this first day of April, Nathan and Eppy are going through some of the wisdom we've accumulated as self-publishers over the years, in hopes it'll help out those who are starting their game design journey. We try to address some of the basic questions that you might not know you should be asking, and talk about the core work of finding an audience, benefits and drawbacks of different kinds of conventions, designing your business like it's a game, and starting small in order to give yourself the space to learn and grow. If there's any fools today it's going to be us, but hopefully this is helpful - and if raises further questions, please get in touch so we can continue this conversation! 50:36 false As is tradition on this first day of April, we're going through some of the wisdom we've accumulated as self-publishers over the years, in hopes it'll help out those who are starting their game design journey. We try to address some of the basic questions that you might not know you should be asking, and talk about the core work of finding an audience, benefits and drawbacks of different kinds of conventions, designing your business like it's a game, and starting small in order to give yourself the space to learn and grow. If there's any fools today it's going to be us, but hopefully this is helpful - and if raises further questions, please get in touch so we can continue this conversation!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges As is tradition on this first day of April, we're going through some of the wisdom we've accumulated as self-publishers over the years, in hopes it'll help out those who are starting their game design journey. We try to address some of the basic questions that you might not know you should be asking, and talk about the core work of finding an audience, benefits and drawbacks of different kinds of conventions, designing your business like it's a game, and starting small in order to give yourself the space to learn and grow. If there's any fools today it's going to be us, but hopefully this is helpful - and if raises further questions, please get in touch so we can continue this conversation!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> As is tradition on this first day of April, we're going through some of the wisdom we've accumulated as self-publishers over the years, in hopes it'll help out those who are starting their game design journey. We try to address some of the basic questions that you might not know you should be asking, and talk about the core work of finding an audience, benefits and drawbacks of different kinds of conventions, designing your business like it's a game, and starting small in order to give yourself the space to learn and grow. If there's any fools today it's going to be us, but hopefully this is helpful - and if raises further questions, please get in touch so we can continue this conversation!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+4mZsjWfX ]]> The (First) Mailroom Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/34 8e78a038-7f73-4fb1-bcc1-db5c7540ecc7 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 34 The (First) Mailroom Episode full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode, we visit the mailroom to field some listener questions! We discuss design rituals that we each have, the experience of having games or mechanics fall flat for us in play, and some potential homework for future episodes. The conversation includes digressions into spinner design, playtesting our way out of mechanics that don't work, and how we approach disappointing experiences as something to learn from. Thanks for all the mail! 53:21 false In this episode, we visit the mailroom to field some listener questions! We discuss design rituals that we each have, the experience of having games or mechanics fall flat for us in play, and some potential homework for future episodes. The conversation includes digressions into spinner design, playtesting our way out of mechanics that don't work, and how we approach disappointing experiences as something to learn from. Thanks for all the mail!

Shoutouts to: Playtest Tuesday, The Imaginauts, and Paul Czege

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode, we visit the mailroom to field some listener questions! We discuss design rituals that we each have, the experience of having games or mechanics fall flat for us in play, and some potential homework for future episodes. The conversation includes digressions into spinner design, playtesting our way out of mechanics that don't work, and how we approach disappointing experiences as something to learn from. Thanks for all the mail!

Shoutouts to: Playtest Tuesday, The Imaginauts, and Paul Czege

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode, we visit the mailroom to field some listener questions! We discuss design rituals that we each have, the experience of having games or mechanics fall flat for us in play, and some potential homework for future episodes. The conversation includes digressions into spinner design, playtesting our way out of mechanics that don't work, and how we approach disappointing experiences as something to learn from. Thanks for all the mail!

Shoutouts to: Playtest Tuesday, The Imaginauts, and Paul Czege

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+t0E2w_kn ]]> The Hacks Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/33 408243d5-ecb6-4592-9254-41d9dbd0ff7b Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 33 The Hacks Episode full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode, Nathan and Eppy report back about their "do this with that" homework assignment. Eppy debuts The Marion and Robin Party Roleplaying Game, and Nathan outlines how Remember Tomorrow reconfigures Fair Winds and Following Seas. Then, we reflect on how using other games as the basis of new work (hacks, if you will) can be a really helpful part of the game design process. 1:00:55 false In this episode, Nathan and Eppy report back about their "do this with that" homework assignment. Eppy debuts The Marion and Robin Party Roleplaying Game, and Nathan outlines how Remember Tomorrow reconfigures Fair Winds and Following Seas. Then, we reflect on how using other games as the basis of new work (hacks, if you will) can be a really helpful part of the game design process.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode, Nathan and Eppy report back about their "do this with that" homework assignment. Eppy debuts The Marion and Robin Party Roleplaying Game, and Nathan outlines how Remember Tomorrow reconfigures Fair Winds and Following Seas. Then, we reflect on how using other games as the basis of new work (hacks, if you will) can be a really helpful part of the game design process.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode, Nathan and Eppy report back about their "do this with that" homework assignment. Eppy debuts The Marion and Robin Party Roleplaying Game, and Nathan outlines how Remember Tomorrow reconfigures Fair Winds and Following Seas. Then, we reflect on how using other games as the basis of new work (hacks, if you will) can be a really helpful part of the game design process.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+Hn5Gphrd ]]> The Mind-Blown Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/32 0601afb6-2f5f-4d0d-b233-7b1ae8fe2dc1 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 32 The Mind-Blown Episode full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium Nathan and Eppy assigned homework off-mic, to discuss some games that showcase thinking about games in a way we never would have, or that made such an impression on us that we've made them part of our toolkits. We discuss what we mean by our minds being blown, then go over our lists. Then, we assign homework for next episode: to sketch out what one of our works-in-progress would look like, if we used one of our mind-blowing influences as a model! We're still aiming to make new games this season, and this was a really productive conversation to help us both along. 56:33 false Nathan and Eppy assigned homework off-mic, to discuss some games that showcase thinking about games in a way we never would have, or that made such an impression on us that we've made them part of our toolkits. We discuss what we mean by our minds being blown, then go over our lists. Then, we assign homework for next episode: to sketch out what one of our works-in-progress would look like, if we used one of our mind-blowing influences as a model! We're still aiming to make new games this season, and this was a really productive conversation to help us both along.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges Nathan and Eppy assigned homework off-mic, to discuss some games that showcase thinking about games in a way we never would have, or that made such an impression on us that we've made them part of our toolkits. We discuss what we mean by our minds being blown, then go over our lists. Then, we assign homework for next episode: to sketch out what one of our works-in-progress would look like, if we used one of our mind-blowing influences as a model! We're still aiming to make new games this season, and this was a really productive conversation to help us both along.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> Nathan and Eppy assigned homework off-mic, to discuss some games that showcase thinking about games in a way we never would have, or that made such an impression on us that we've made them part of our toolkits. We discuss what we mean by our minds being blown, then go over our lists. Then, we assign homework for next episode: to sketch out what one of our works-in-progress would look like, if we used one of our mind-blowing influences as a model! We're still aiming to make new games this season, and this was a really productive conversation to help us both along.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+1ZxCL1GI ]]> The Survey Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/31 9718d8ee-6f5f-4770-b4a2-828acc02f6e2 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 31 The Survey Episode full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode, Nathan and Eppy respond to listener feedback, talk about a recent play experience, and then go through some of the projects we're each working on or thinking about that are not the One Without Master. It's a high-level survey of where we're at, game-design-wise, going into 2026! 53:07 false In this episode, Nathan and Eppy respond to listener feedback, talk about a recent play experience, and then go through some of the projects we're each working on or thinking about that are not the One Without Master. It's a high-level survey of where we're at, game-design-wise, going into 2026!

Check out Soapbox Game Mechanics! It's from All My Friends Are Stories (Patreon), they have some of the games for sale here, and here's the youtube channel. Eppy's episode hasn't been posted at the time of recording, but should be up eventually!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode, Nathan and Eppy respond to listener feedback, talk about a recent play experience, and then go through some of the projects we're each working on or thinking about that are not the One Without Master. It's a high-level survey of where we're at, game-design-wise, going into 2026!

Check out Soapbox Game Mechanics! It's from All My Friends Are Stories (Patreon), they have some of the games for sale here, and here's the youtube channel. Eppy's episode hasn't been posted at the time of recording, but should be up eventually!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode, Nathan and Eppy respond to listener feedback, talk about a recent play experience, and then go through some of the projects we're each working on or thinking about that are not the One Without Master. It's a high-level survey of where we're at, game-design-wise, going into 2026!

Check out Soapbox Game Mechanics! It's from All My Friends Are Stories (Patreon), they have some of the games for sale here, and here's the youtube channel. Eppy's episode hasn't been posted at the time of recording, but should be up eventually!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+6cwDCKBy ]]> The Shel Kahn Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/30 249522ec-6782-4cb5-b415-5e0ec73e3efb Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 30 The Shel Kahn Episode full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode, we sit down with friend, artist, game designer and art director for Swords Without Master Shel Kahn to talk about... all of those things! We touch on the different roles of art in game design, working with abstract imagery, refining your taste as a chooser-of-images even if commissioning original art isn't realistic, and the ways artwork and visual design elements help out the game design endeavor. Art... it's good! 1:13:48 false In this episode, we sit down with friend, artist, game designer and art director for Swords Without Master Shel Kahn to talk about... all of those things! We touch on the different roles of art in game design, working with abstract imagery, refining your taste as a chooser-of-images even if commissioning original art isn't realistic, and the ways artwork and visual design elements help out the game design endeavor. Art... it's good!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode, we sit down with friend, artist, game designer and art director for Swords Without Master Shel Kahn to talk about... all of those things! We touch on the different roles of art in game design, working with abstract imagery, refining your taste as a chooser-of-images even if commissioning original art isn't realistic, and the ways artwork and visual design elements help out the game design endeavor. Art... it's good!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode, we sit down with friend, artist, game designer and art director for Swords Without Master Shel Kahn to talk about... all of those things! We touch on the different roles of art in game design, working with abstract imagery, refining your taste as a chooser-of-images even if commissioning original art isn't realistic, and the ways artwork and visual design elements help out the game design endeavor. Art... it's good!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+5FtmBTgS ]]> The Constraints Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/29 4e9560aa-12d4-4579-b5bf-5db04798b186 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 29 The Constraints Episode full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode, Eppy brings a discussion of where the "technological" creative constraints in game design come from. We talk about what this means in the context of tabletop, how constraints surface through the design, and how we handle them as designers. This builds a little on our conversation about design surfaces, and is ultimately another part of a long-term conversation about, well, game design! We also do our final homework for 2025, bringing some holidays from different projects in our back catalogue to celebrate the season. 1:04:02 false In this episode, Eppy brings a discussion of "technological" creative constraints in game design. We talk about what this means in the context of tabletop, how constraints surface through the design, and how we handle them as designers. This builds on our recent episode about design surfaces, and is ultimately another part of a long-term conversation about, well, game design! We also do our final homework for 2025, bringing some holidays from different projects in our back catalogue to celebrate the season.

This is our last episode of the year, and we'll be taking a few weeks off over the holidays. See you in 2026, Scholars!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode, Eppy brings a discussion of "technological" creative constraints in game design. We talk about what this means in the context of tabletop, how constraints surface through the design, and how we handle them as designers. This builds on our recent episode about design surfaces, and is ultimately another part of a long-term conversation about, well, game design! We also do our final homework for 2025, bringing some holidays from different projects in our back catalogue to celebrate the season.

This is our last episode of the year, and we'll be taking a few weeks off over the holidays. See you in 2026, Scholars!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode, Eppy brings a discussion of "technological" creative constraints in game design. We talk about what this means in the context of tabletop, how constraints surface through the design, and how we handle them as designers. This builds on our recent episode about design surfaces, and is ultimately another part of a long-term conversation about, well, game design! We also do our final homework for 2025, bringing some holidays from different projects in our back catalogue to celebrate the season.

This is our last episode of the year, and we'll be taking a few weeks off over the holidays. See you in 2026, Scholars!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+jUUFvB_1 ]]> The Reflection Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/28 075b0467-8f19-408a-bc6a-08d7f8c88f07 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 28 The Reflection Episode full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode, Nathan and Eppy reflect on the first year of this podcast, talk about how things change in the doing, and discuss how creating a community is part of the overall endeavor. This leads into a survey of feedback tools and frameworks that can be used to reflect on your game sessions and playtests. Thanks so much for joining us! With one year of the show in the books, we're excited for the next. 1:01:30 false In this episode, Nathan and Eppy reflect on the first year of this podcast, talk about how things change in the doing, and discuss how creating a community is part of the overall endeavor. This leads into a survey of feedback tools and frameworks that can be used to reflect on your game sessions and playtests.

Thanks so much for joining us! With one year of the show in the books, we're excited for the next.

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode, Nathan and Eppy reflect on the first year of this podcast, talk about how things change in the doing, and discuss how creating a community is part of the overall endeavor. This leads into a survey of feedback tools and frameworks that can be used to reflect on your game sessions and playtests.

Thanks so much for joining us! With one year of the show in the books, we're excited for the next.

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode, Nathan and Eppy reflect on the first year of this podcast, talk about how things change in the doing, and discuss how creating a community is part of the overall endeavor. This leads into a survey of feedback tools and frameworks that can be used to reflect on your game sessions and playtests.

Thanks so much for joining us! With one year of the show in the books, we're excited for the next.

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+ctY5Li32 ]]> The Surfaces Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/27 7aa93be1-ebf1-4a41-a88c-b40656a0c017 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 27 The Surfaces Episode full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode, Nathan and Eppy report back on their recent work on PET CRIMES, centering on making digital tools for play. This leads into a discussion of the concept of designing the "surfaces" of your game - what are the things (physical, relational, temporal) that you need to design in order to enable someone to play? This is just the start of this conversation, but it feels like a useful framework as we continue to make games in this season of the podcast! 1:00:21 false In this episode, Nathan and Eppy report back on their recent work on PET CRIMES, centering on making digital tools for play. This leads into a discussion of the concept of designing the "surfaces" of your game - what are the things (physical, relational, temporal) that you need to design in order to enable someone to play? This is just the start of this conversation, but it feels like a useful framework as we continue to make games in this season of the podcast!

Patrons are getting access to PET CRIMES and it's associated digital tools as we develop them. Join them for just $3/month over at our Patreon!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode, Nathan and Eppy report back on their recent work on PET CRIMES, centering on making digital tools for play. This leads into a discussion of the concept of designing the "surfaces" of your game - what are the things (physical, relational, temporal) that you need to design in order to enable someone to play? This is just the start of this conversation, but it feels like a useful framework as we continue to make games in this season of the podcast!

Patrons are getting access to PET CRIMES and it's associated digital tools as we develop them. Join them for just $3/month over at our Patreon!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode, Nathan and Eppy report back on their recent work on PET CRIMES, centering on making digital tools for play. This leads into a discussion of the concept of designing the "surfaces" of your game - what are the things (physical, relational, temporal) that you need to design in order to enable someone to play? This is just the start of this conversation, but it feels like a useful framework as we continue to make games in this season of the podcast!

Patrons are getting access to PET CRIMES and it's associated digital tools as we develop them. Join them for just $3/month over at our Patreon!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+uSe0jUBU ]]> The Card Concepts Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/26 eecbdc2f-efbd-4d37-850e-b9363ab6169a Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 26 The Card Concepts Episode full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this all-homework episode, we each bring an initial sketch of the cards that could drive each of our card-based game concepts. Nathan's "Big Lore" game explores using card decks to reveal things about the game world and guide character progression, while Eppy's "Exploration Legacy" game uses cards to map out geography as well as encounter types for a game that becomes more unique the more its played. This is early-stage concept stuff, so listen in to hear how the vegan sausage is made! 1:03:57 false In this all-homework episode, we each bring an initial sketch of the cards that could drive each of our card-based game concepts. Nathan's "Big Lore" game explores using card decks to reveal things about the game world and guide character progression, while Eppy's "Exploration Legacy" game uses cards to map out geography as well as encounter types for a game that becomes more unique the more its played. This is early-stage concept stuff, so listen in to hear how the vegan sausage is made!

Check out our Patreon for a post that includes the images of the cards we describe in this episode (no subscription required!)

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this all-homework episode, we each bring an initial sketch of the cards that could drive each of our card-based game concepts. Nathan's "Big Lore" game explores using card decks to reveal things about the game world and guide character progression, while Eppy's "Exploration Legacy" game uses cards to map out geography as well as encounter types for a game that becomes more unique the more its played. This is early-stage concept stuff, so listen in to hear how the vegan sausage is made!

Check out our Patreon for a post that includes the images of the cards we describe in this episode (no subscription required!)

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> In this all-homework episode, we each bring an initial sketch of the cards that could drive each of our card-based game concepts. Nathan's "Big Lore" game explores using card decks to reveal things about the game world and guide character progression, while Eppy's "Exploration Legacy" game uses cards to map out geography as well as encounter types for a game that becomes more unique the more its played. This is early-stage concept stuff, so listen in to hear how the vegan sausage is made!

Check out our Patreon for a post that includes the images of the cards we describe in this episode (no subscription required!)

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+XgRRKLll ]]> The Season Two Premiere Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/25 12b2c607-a8c4-4aea-b95d-d27540045d21 Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 25 The Season Two Premiere Episode full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium We're moving into the next season of our podcast! In this one, Nathan and Eppy talk about how we're turning from the scholarly side of our project to the instructional side, and how our show homework is changing to match. What this means for our listeners is that you'll be hearing more about new game designs and works in progress, and less research and hunting out arcane gems from other games. Thanks for listening, Scholars! 45:00 false We're moving into the next season of our podcast! In this one, Nathan and Eppy talk about how we're turning from the scholarly side of our project to the instructional side, and how our show homework is changing to match. What this means for our listeners is that you'll be hearing more about new game designs and works in progress, and less research and hunting out arcane gems from other games. Thanks for listening, Scholars!

Remember to sign up for the Swords Without Master fixup campaign, coming early 2026.

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges We're moving into the next season of our podcast! In this one, Nathan and Eppy talk about how we're turning from the scholarly side of our project to the instructional side, and how our show homework is changing to match. What this means for our listeners is that you'll be hearing more about new game designs and works in progress, and less research and hunting out arcane gems from other games. Thanks for listening, Scholars!

Remember to sign up for the Swords Without Master fixup campaign, coming early 2026.

And there's more:

]]> We're moving into the next season of our podcast! In this one, Nathan and Eppy talk about how we're turning from the scholarly side of our project to the instructional side, and how our show homework is changing to match. What this means for our listeners is that you'll be hearing more about new game designs and works in progress, and less research and hunting out arcane gems from other games. Thanks for listening, Scholars!

Remember to sign up for the Swords Without Master fixup campaign, coming early 2026.

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+TNPSmHF0 ]]> The Episode Without Master https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/24 0ab4a5d0-9054-4d15-8335-90f36d38a10d Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 24 The Episode Without Master full 2 Unwritten Earths Symposium The Season of Swords is upon us! Nathan and Eppy talk about Eppy's sword & sorcery classic Swords Without Master, how it came to be, how it works, and what's next for the game: a full standalone release, coming early 2026! 59:20 false The Season of Swords is upon us! Nathan and Eppy talk about Eppy's sword & sorcery classic Swords Without Master, how it came to be, how it works, and what's next for the game: a full standalone release, coming early 2026!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges The Season of Swords is upon us! Nathan and Eppy talk about Eppy's sword & sorcery classic Swords Without Master, how it came to be, how it works, and what's next for the game: a full standalone release, coming early 2026!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> The Season of Swords is upon us! Nathan and Eppy talk about Eppy's sword & sorcery classic Swords Without Master, how it came to be, how it works, and what's next for the game: a full standalone release, coming early 2026!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+ZGttr9CD ]]> The TBR Pile Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/23 a30f55ab-bd51-4a66-9803-f13920a3be6e Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 23 The TBR Pile Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we tackle our to-be-read piles of recent game acquisitions for our homework, highlighting more recent work that we've both been digging and finding some common themes across different genres and types of game. We then talk about "instructional" and "non-instructional" text in games, what that divide even means, and pursue some questions that that brings up for our own work. 1:03:14 false In this episode we tackle our to-be-read piles of recent game acquisitions for our homework, highlighting more recent work that we've both been digging and finding some common themes across different genres and types of game. We then talk about "instructional" and "non-instructional" text in games, what that divide even means, and pursue some questions that that brings up for our own work.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we tackle our to-be-read piles of recent game acquisitions for our homework, highlighting more recent work that we've both been digging and finding some common themes across different genres and types of game. We then talk about "instructional" and "non-instructional" text in games, what that divide even means, and pursue some questions that that brings up for our own work.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we tackle our to-be-read piles of recent game acquisitions for our homework, highlighting more recent work that we've both been digging and finding some common themes across different genres and types of game. We then talk about "instructional" and "non-instructional" text in games, what that divide even means, and pursue some questions that that brings up for our own work.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+O0Xvkhb0 ]]> The Playtesting Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/22 f418d98e-eb4d-4192-9883-68a1f9c1044a Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 22 The Playtesting Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode Eppy leads off with a hot take about playtesting, leading us to a discussion of the multiple purposes of playtests, playstorming, techniques for effective playtests, and an introduction of a new feature of the Unwritten Earths Symposium Discord: Playtest Tuesdays! 51:56 false In this episode Eppy leads off with a hot take about playtesting, leading us to a discussion of the multiple purposes of playtests, playstorming, techniques for effective playtests, and an introduction of a new feature of the Unwritten Earths Symposium Discord: Playtest Tuesdays!

Show Notes:

  • Playtest Tuesdays are on the Discord - you do not need to be a Patreon member to join, and we're aiming at short bursts of targeted play for anyone who would find that helpful.
  • The JiffyCon Community site still exists, for posterity!

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode Eppy leads off with a hot take about playtesting, leading us to a discussion of the multiple purposes of playtests, playstorming, techniques for effective playtests, and an introduction of a new feature of the Unwritten Earths Symposium Discord: Playtest Tuesdays!

Show Notes:

  • Playtest Tuesdays are on the Discord - you do not need to be a Patreon member to join, and we're aiming at short bursts of targeted play for anyone who would find that helpful.
  • The JiffyCon Community site still exists, for posterity!

And there's more:

]]> In this episode Eppy leads off with a hot take about playtesting, leading us to a discussion of the multiple purposes of playtests, playstorming, techniques for effective playtests, and an introduction of a new feature of the Unwritten Earths Symposium Discord: Playtest Tuesdays!

Show Notes:

  • Playtest Tuesdays are on the Discord - you do not need to be a Patreon member to join, and we're aiming at short bursts of targeted play for anyone who would find that helpful.
  • The JiffyCon Community site still exists, for posterity!

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+EPWG-LBF ]]> The Ludography Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/21 aa2a6228-3421-4add-9200-e28f8e6ac924 Wed, 13 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 21 The Ludography Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we do our game design homework of looking through game ludographies to chase down a chain of influence. It's a fun journey and we end up in very different places for our arcane gems! We also give an update on the Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025, coming out soon! 54:51 false In this episode we do our game design homework of looking through game ludographies to chase down a chain of influence. It's a fun journey and we end up in very different places for our arcane gems! We also give an update on the Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025, coming out soon!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we do our game design homework of looking through game ludographies to chase down a chain of influence. It's a fun journey and we end up in very different places for our arcane gems! We also give an update on the Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025, coming out soon!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we do our game design homework of looking through game ludographies to chase down a chain of influence. It's a fun journey and we end up in very different places for our arcane gems! We also give an update on the Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025, coming out soon!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+5Z-sJzCU ]]> The Sailing Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/20 82a7f027-714f-4aa4-9209-6a4c2dea7931 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 20 The Sailing Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we talk about handling multiple ongoing projects as full-time working creative people, and then Nathan brings a game idea for discussion: a game that creates or invokes the simultaneous closed-in-ness and open-ness of sailing. We have some fun ideas for creating slow-burn drama with constrained resources. Have we.... made a game yet? 55:02 false In this episode we talk about handling multiple ongoing projects as full-time working creative people, and then Nathan brings a game idea for discussion: a game that creates or invokes the simultaneous closed-in-ness and open-ness of sailing. We have some fun ideas for creating slow-burn drama with constrained resources. Have we.... made a game yet?

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we talk about handling multiple ongoing projects as full-time working creative people, and then Nathan brings a game idea for discussion: a game that creates or invokes the simultaneous closed-in-ness and open-ness of sailing. We have some fun ideas for creating slow-burn drama with constrained resources. Have we.... made a game yet?

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we talk about handling multiple ongoing projects as full-time working creative people, and then Nathan brings a game idea for discussion: a game that creates or invokes the simultaneous closed-in-ness and open-ness of sailing. We have some fun ideas for creating slow-burn drama with constrained resources. Have we.... made a game yet?

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+SSP7yKlZ ]]> The Spiralbound Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/19 88676336-d421-4e50-92f3-4d2be2a6f9ca Wed, 16 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 19 The Spiralbound Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we go to the copyshop to dig up spiralbound games for our game discovery homework, and get deep into the weeds on both format and substance of our picks. 1:03:59 false In this episode we go to the copyshop to dig up spiralbound games for our game discovery homework, and get deep into the weeds on both format and substance of our picks.

Games Mentioned:

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we go to the copyshop to dig up spiralbound games for our game discovery homework, and get deep into the weeds on both format and substance of our picks.

Games Mentioned:

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we go to the copyshop to dig up spiralbound games for our game discovery homework, and get deep into the weeds on both format and substance of our picks.

Games Mentioned:

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+hUj1a-JS ]]> The Podcation Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/18 1e6cfac2-4c09-49c2-a574-ce0407e4120a Wed, 25 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 18 The Podcation Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this laid-back episode we chat about greeting cards and inspiration from non-games for game formats, follow a train of thought about using Valentine's Day exchange as a game mechanic, and check in with each other about how ideas and inspiration from previous episodes are coming together for new game projects. 57:38 false In this laid-back episode we chat about greeting cards and inspiration from non-games for game formats, follow a train of thought about using Valentine's Day exchange as a game mechanic, and check in with each other about how ideas and inspiration from previous episodes are coming together for new game projects.

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this laid-back episode we chat about greeting cards and inspiration from non-games for game formats, follow a train of thought about using Valentine's Day exchange as a game mechanic, and check in with each other about how ideas and inspiration from previous episodes are coming together for new game projects.

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> In this laid-back episode we chat about greeting cards and inspiration from non-games for game formats, follow a train of thought about using Valentine's Day exchange as a game mechanic, and check in with each other about how ideas and inspiration from previous episodes are coming together for new game projects.

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+evLFepC9 ]]> The Nat Barmore Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/17 72c07b65-1247-4cc4-8387-98fca97a86b2 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 17 The Nat Barmore Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode, we welcome Dread co-creator Nat Barmore to the show, try to surprise each other with Arcane Gems from deep cuts in our collections, and talk about Nat's current projects. We talk about Dread, keeping horror campaigns going in long-term play, and approaching real-world cultural conflicts in game design. Thanks for joining us, Nat! 1:21:14 false In this episode, we welcome Dread co-creator Nat Barmore to the show, try to surprise each other with Arcane Gems from deep cuts in our collections, and talk about Nat's current projects. We talk about Dread, keeping horror campaigns going in long-term play, and approaching real-world cultural conflicts in game design. Thanks for joining us, Nat!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode, we welcome Dread co-creator Nat Barmore to the show, try to surprise each other with Arcane Gems from deep cuts in our collections, and talk about Nat's current projects. We talk about Dread, keeping horror campaigns going in long-term play, and approaching real-world cultural conflicts in game design. Thanks for joining us, Nat!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode, we welcome Dread co-creator Nat Barmore to the show, try to surprise each other with Arcane Gems from deep cuts in our collections, and talk about Nat's current projects. We talk about Dread, keeping horror campaigns going in long-term play, and approaching real-world cultural conflicts in game design. Thanks for joining us, Nat!

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+n1y7EFur ]]> The White Whale Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/16 6cd55f71-e23c-42f8-9ef3-465b270b50c1 Wed, 28 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 16 The White Whale Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we talk about our "white whale" game design projects, both those we're currently in pursuit of and those we managed, at long last, to catch. 50:41 false In this episode we talk about our "white whale" game design projects, both those we're currently in pursuit of and those we managed, at long last, to catch.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we talk about our "white whale" game design projects, both those we're currently in pursuit of and those we managed, at long last, to catch.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we talk about our "white whale" game design projects, both those we're currently in pursuit of and those we managed, at long last, to catch.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+ggjF8JuV ]]> The Hidden Information Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/15 aea59531-b0f3-4c4f-9ff5-51fdbd08cd06 Wed, 14 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 15 The Hidden Information Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we give a production update on the Annual 2025 before measuring our shelves for game discovery. Our homework happened to have a shared theme of hidden information, and we end up discussing the idea of "sleight of hand" to create moments of magic in play. 1:05:53 false In this episode we give a production update on the Annual 2025 before measuring our shelves for game discovery. Our homework happened to have a shared theme of hidden information, and we end up discussing the idea of "sleight of hand" to create moments of magic in play.

Games Discussed:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we give a production update on the Annual 2025 before measuring our shelves for game discovery. Our homework happened to have a shared theme of hidden information, and we end up discussing the idea of "sleight of hand" to create moments of magic in play.

Games Discussed:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we give a production update on the Annual 2025 before measuring our shelves for game discovery. Our homework happened to have a shared theme of hidden information, and we end up discussing the idea of "sleight of hand" to create moments of magic in play.

Games Discussed:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+dePmRgZB ]]> The Trends Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/14 d372d760-13c6-48e2-8549-c8a5a55eb226 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 14 The Trends Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we come back from game discovery sabbatical to talk about some esoteric picks from our itch.io libraries, and then discuss how we approach and interact with trends in the larger ttrpg industry, in game design, and in how those intersect for us. 1:01:53 false In this episode we come back from game discovery sabbatical to talk about some esoteric picks from our itch.io libraries, and then discuss how we approach and interact with trends in the larger ttrpg industry, in game design, and in how those intersect for us.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we come back from game discovery sabbatical to talk about some esoteric picks from our itch.io libraries, and then discuss how we approach and interact with trends in the larger ttrpg industry, in game design, and in how those intersect for us.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we come back from game discovery sabbatical to talk about some esoteric picks from our itch.io libraries, and then discuss how we approach and interact with trends in the larger ttrpg industry, in game design, and in how those intersect for us.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+ZAD1-PZA ]]> The Ritual Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/13 8350000e-f16b-41b5-ac00-44f6e8ec612e Wed, 16 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 13 The Ritual Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we talk about building rituals in and for play, follow a train of thought about building in "blessings" for each other into gameplay, discuss the joy of dice, and come back from sabbatical to assign game discovery homework. Reminder: The Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025 Kickstarter is live through the end of April! 57:11 false In this episode we talk about building rituals in and for play, follow a train of thought about building in "blessings" for each other into gameplay, discuss the joy of dice, and come back from sabbatical to assign game discovery homework.

Reminder: The Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025 Kickstarter is live through the end of April!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we talk about building rituals in and for play, follow a train of thought about building in "blessings" for each other into gameplay, discuss the joy of dice, and come back from sabbatical to assign game discovery homework.

Reminder: The Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025 Kickstarter is live through the end of April!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we talk about building rituals in and for play, follow a train of thought about building in "blessings" for each other into gameplay, discuss the joy of dice, and come back from sabbatical to assign game discovery homework.

Reminder: The Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025 Kickstarter is live through the end of April!

Show Notes:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+IxNO9s0G ]]> The Annual 2025 Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/12 6429bf3b-04b0-47b4-8b21-8ff6fa70e7a5 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 12 The Annual 2025 Episode full 1 Unwritten Earths Symposium Welcome to the Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025! In this episode, we discuss the scenarios in our inaugural Unwritten Earths Symposium publication, design considerations for making these "system-adventurous" scenarios, and the origins of the project. Check out the show notes for a link to the Kickstarter, and thanks for all your support so far! 57:27 false Welcome to the Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025! In this episode, we discuss the scenarios in our inaugural Unwritten Earths Symposium publication, design considerations for making these "system-adventurous" scenarios, and the origins of the project. Check out the show notes for a link to the Kickstarter, and thanks for all your support so far!

Back the Annual on Kickstarter (live through the end of April, 2025)
Check out the preview scenario One Night Only at the Veteran's Lodge.

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges Welcome to the Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025! In this episode, we discuss the scenarios in our inaugural Unwritten Earths Symposium publication, design considerations for making these "system-adventurous" scenarios, and the origins of the project. Check out the show notes for a link to the Kickstarter, and thanks for all your support so far!

Back the Annual on Kickstarter (live through the end of April, 2025)
Check out the preview scenario One Night Only at the Veteran's Lodge.

And there's more:

]]> Welcome to the Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025! In this episode, we discuss the scenarios in our inaugural Unwritten Earths Symposium publication, design considerations for making these "system-adventurous" scenarios, and the origins of the project. Check out the show notes for a link to the Kickstarter, and thanks for all your support so far!

Back the Annual on Kickstarter (live through the end of April, 2025)
Check out the preview scenario One Night Only at the Veteran's Lodge.

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+GQSGX77Y ]]> The Eras Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/11 3a88c456-f531-41c2-93b2-838f3f2ed85d Wed, 19 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0700 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 11 The Eras Episode full Unwritten Earths Symposium Oops, all Game Discovery! In this episode we do a brief overview of the history of TTRPGS (truly-true roleplaying games), each picking a game to highlight from our birth years in each decade from the 1970s to the 2020s. We delve into some 2010s highlights for Arcane Gems, but this is a good framework for us to talk about our personal game histories as well as chart high-level changes in game design since the beginning. 1:20:01 false Oops, all Game Discovery! In this episode we do a brief overview of the history of TTRPGS (truly-true roleplaying games), each picking a game to highlight from our birth years in each decade from the 1970s to the 2020s. We delve into some 2010s highlights for Arcane Gems, but this is a good framework for us to talk about our personal game histories as well as chart high-level changes in game design since the beginning.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges Oops, all Game Discovery! In this episode we do a brief overview of the history of TTRPGS (truly-true roleplaying games), each picking a game to highlight from our birth years in each decade from the 1970s to the 2020s. We delve into some 2010s highlights for Arcane Gems, but this is a good framework for us to talk about our personal game histories as well as chart high-level changes in game design since the beginning.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> Oops, all Game Discovery! In this episode we do a brief overview of the history of TTRPGS (truly-true roleplaying games), each picking a game to highlight from our birth years in each decade from the 1970s to the 2020s. We delve into some 2010s highlights for Arcane Gems, but this is a good framework for us to talk about our personal game histories as well as chart high-level changes in game design since the beginning.

Show Notes:

Games Mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+vj9iMoD2 ]]> The Convention Slot Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/10 9fad459b-75bf-448c-9199-fc15bc06b490 Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 10 The Convention Slot Episode full Unwritten Earths Symposium No, it's not a 4-hour episode! After talking about our game discovery homework guided by games we'd be excited to play at a convention (or elsewhere), we dive into how our experiences going to conventions and playing games in specific time slots has shaped our game design. 1:07:28 false No, it's not a 4-hour episode! After talking about our game discovery homework guided by games we'd be excited to play at a convention (or elsewhere), we dive into how our experiences going to conventions and playing games in specific time slots has shaped our game design.

Out inaugural project, the Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025 set of time-spanning game scenarios, is coming to Kickstarter soon. Click here to get notified on launch!

Show Notes:

Games Discussed:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges No, it's not a 4-hour episode! After talking about our game discovery homework guided by games we'd be excited to play at a convention (or elsewhere), we dive into how our experiences going to conventions and playing games in specific time slots has shaped our game design.

Out inaugural project, the Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025 set of time-spanning game scenarios, is coming to Kickstarter soon. Click here to get notified on launch!

Show Notes:

Games Discussed:

And there's more:

]]> No, it's not a 4-hour episode! After talking about our game discovery homework guided by games we'd be excited to play at a convention (or elsewhere), we dive into how our experiences going to conventions and playing games in specific time slots has shaped our game design.

Out inaugural project, the Adventurer & Hobbyist Annual 2025 set of time-spanning game scenarios, is coming to Kickstarter soon. Click here to get notified on launch!

Show Notes:

Games Discussed:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+W5N990mL ]]> Plus Expenses #87 https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/09 4192007f-1163-4986-98ca-8555179115ba Wed, 26 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 09 Plus Expenses #87 full Unwritten Earths Symposium Here's an episode of our patron-exclusive podcast Plus Expenses, where we talk about things that aren't roleplaying games (but do still end up talking about roleplaying games). You can get Plus Expenses at every level of our Patreon, or check it out with a 7-day free trial. Thanks for listening! 50:36 false In this Plus Expenses we talk about:Articulating the Unwritten Earths Symposium and how it gives us productive constraints, repetition is the brevity of the soul, Voyagers!, The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, King Con by Stephen J. Cannell, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Samurai Champloo, coming full circle on physical media, preserving obscure media, pulp fiction literally pulping, the Rockford Files is a good show, we’re trying out Ellipsus, setting up stuff outside of free tools and avoiding AI, game publishing is a lot of skills, a thought on another WWWRPG Promotion, some thoughts on a Swords/WWW mashup, shout out to Zine Month, and stay strong out there!.

Plus Expenses is a second biweekly show that is normally for our patrons.

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this Plus Expenses we talk about:Articulating the Unwritten Earths Symposium and how it gives us productive constraints, repetition is the brevity of the soul, Voyagers!, The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, King Con by Stephen J. Cannell, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Samurai Champloo, coming full circle on physical media, preserving obscure media, pulp fiction literally pulping, the Rockford Files is a good show, we’re trying out Ellipsus, setting up stuff outside of free tools and avoiding AI, game publishing is a lot of skills, a thought on another WWWRPG Promotion, some thoughts on a Swords/WWW mashup, shout out to Zine Month, and stay strong out there!.

Plus Expenses is a second biweekly show that is normally for our patrons.

And there's more:

]]> In this Plus Expenses we talk about:Articulating the Unwritten Earths Symposium and how it gives us productive constraints, repetition is the brevity of the soul, Voyagers!, The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, King Con by Stephen J. Cannell, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Samurai Champloo, coming full circle on physical media, preserving obscure media, pulp fiction literally pulping, the Rockford Files is a good show, we’re trying out Ellipsus, setting up stuff outside of free tools and avoiding AI, game publishing is a lot of skills, a thought on another WWWRPG Promotion, some thoughts on a Swords/WWW mashup, shout out to Zine Month, and stay strong out there!.

Plus Expenses is a second biweekly show that is normally for our patrons.

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+druagC42 ]]> The Constraints Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/08 7ba382b5-197a-48eb-a40a-01686ed0e428 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 08 The Constraints Episode full Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we discuss the arcane gems found within games we would play with our moms, give some updates on what's happening in the discord, and field a great question about productive constraints in design and play. 1:14:52 false In this episode we discuss the arcane gems found within games we would play with our moms, give some updates on what's happening in the discord, and field a great question about productive constraints in design and play.

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we discuss the arcane gems found within games we would play with our moms, give some updates on what's happening in the discord, and field a great question about productive constraints in design and play.

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we discuss the arcane gems found within games we would play with our moms, give some updates on what's happening in the discord, and field a great question about productive constraints in design and play.

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+ju-C4iOU ]]> The Groundhog Day Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/07 472db39a-8230-4aae-98b1-bb143c254ea1 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 07 The Groundhog Day Episode full Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we talk about a Groundhog Day-inspired convention concept, some thoughts on setting design, where we're at with tricking each other into designing a game, and we field some listener questions about where to stay on top of TTRPG happenings and constraints on the design process (more of which we'll be talking about next time). 52:50 false In this episode we talk about a Groundhog Day-inspired convention concept, some thoughts on setting design, where we're at with tricking each other into designing a game, and we field some listener questions about where to stay on top of TTRPG happenings and constraints on the design process (more of which we'll be talking about next time).

Listeners, where do you find games? Get in touch and let us know!

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we talk about a Groundhog Day-inspired convention concept, some thoughts on setting design, where we're at with tricking each other into designing a game, and we field some listener questions about where to stay on top of TTRPG happenings and constraints on the design process (more of which we'll be talking about next time).

Listeners, where do you find games? Get in touch and let us know!

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we talk about a Groundhog Day-inspired convention concept, some thoughts on setting design, where we're at with tricking each other into designing a game, and we field some listener questions about where to stay on top of TTRPG happenings and constraints on the design process (more of which we'll be talking about next time).

Listeners, where do you find games? Get in touch and let us know!

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+pqQWQi7O ]]> The Purple and Yellow Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/06 dda3e846-2725-4d15-886a-6e0b3431060a Wed, 22 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 06 The Purple and Yellow Episode full Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we do our color-guided homework, explore the realm of rpg fiction written by people who haven't played rpgs (?), and talk about Epidiah "The Night Writer" Ravachol's handwriting strategy. 1:08:18 false In this episode we do our color-guided homework, explore the realm of rpg fiction written by people who haven't played rpgs (?), and talk about Epidiah "The Night Writer" Ravachol's handwriting strategy.

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we do our color-guided homework, explore the realm of rpg fiction written by people who haven't played rpgs (?), and talk about Epidiah "The Night Writer" Ravachol's handwriting strategy.

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we do our color-guided homework, explore the realm of rpg fiction written by people who haven't played rpgs (?), and talk about Epidiah "The Night Writer" Ravachol's handwriting strategy.

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+RsJZG7YW ]]> The Coffee & Game Design Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/05 97c10a6a-f525-4390-9d05-eec807d870ff Wed, 08 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 05 The Coffee & Game Design Episode full Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode we lay out the template for Coffee & Game Design, assign some homework, delve into the archives for some Arcane Gems, share a war story and field a listener question about promoting our games. 1:10:04 false In this episode we lay out the template for Coffee & Game Design, assign some homework, delve into the archives for some Arcane Gems, share a war story and field a listener question about promoting our games.

Show Notes:

Game We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this episode we lay out the template for Coffee & Game Design, assign some homework, delve into the archives for some Arcane Gems, share a war story and field a listener question about promoting our games.

Show Notes:

Game We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> In this episode we lay out the template for Coffee & Game Design, assign some homework, delve into the archives for some Arcane Gems, share a war story and field a listener question about promoting our games.

Show Notes:

Game We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+PLPXWg0- ]]> The Cursed Episode https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/04 4a84ebdd-e816-498f-b8b2-5d946d7a6d66 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 04 The Cursed Episode full Unwritten Earths Symposium In this Cursed Episode, despite being interrupted by a power outage we talk about some juicy Arcane Gems within our game discovery homework, and talk about our current works in progress. 1:13:44 false In this Cursed Episode, despite being interrupted by a power outage we talk about some juicy Arcane Gems within our game discovery homework, and talk about our current works in progress.

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this Cursed Episode, despite being interrupted by a power outage we talk about some juicy Arcane Gems within our game discovery homework, and talk about our current works in progress.

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> In this Cursed Episode, despite being interrupted by a power outage we talk about some juicy Arcane Gems within our game discovery homework, and talk about our current works in progress.

Show Notes:

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+oq7c7IyE ]]> Mounts, Death and Music https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/03 53c9ddd9-fb29-4e2e-a44d-be9acdb676a5 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 03 Mounts, Death and Music full Unwritten Earths Symposium In this episode, we talk about mounts and companions, death in RPGs, and follow a Train of Thought about translating sheet music into playable patterns before delving into our game discovery homework. Have we designed a game yet? 1:07:18 false Show Notes:

  • Horse Armor (from Elder Scrolls, not World of Warcraft)
  • The box that turns itself off is also called a useless machine
  • Eppy tried to calculate the number of deck shuffle possibilies in The Shrike but it was too many

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges Show Notes:

  • Horse Armor (from Elder Scrolls, not World of Warcraft)
  • The box that turns itself off is also called a useless machine
  • Eppy tried to calculate the number of deck shuffle possibilies in The Shrike but it was too many

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> Show Notes:

  • Horse Armor (from Elder Scrolls, not World of Warcraft)
  • The box that turns itself off is also called a useless machine
  • Eppy tried to calculate the number of deck shuffle possibilies in The Shrike but it was too many

Games We Talked About:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+zdt1jyao ]]> Plus Expenses #81 https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/02 4f197fdd-9a5a-4ad6-8ca5-6d0d96e42519 Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 02 Plus Expenses #81 full Unwritten Earths Symposium In this crossover Plus Expenses, we talk about transitioning from our last show (Two Hundred a Day) to our new Unwritten Earths Symposium Podcast. To receive bonus Plus Expenses episodes after every main show episode, subscribe to the Patreon! 43:53 false In this Plus Expenses we talk about: It’s the official “crossover” Plus Expenses, James Garner handing off a baton to a wizard, feelings about ending Two Hundred a Day (but Two Hundred a Day will remain!), actually ending a thing, starting a new podcast: Unwritten Earths Symposium, how Plus Expenses will fit into the new show, the early days of Dread, building our new Discord so it’s a place where people play each others games, the experience of playing THAT game, learning new podcast skills, learning from The Rockford Files, goals for Unwritten Earths, future Two Hundred a Day eps, THANK YOU Two Hundred a Day listeners, hello new Unwritten Earths listeners, the Unwritten Earths Patreon, and pitching the Adventure & Hobbyist Annual.

If this sounds good to you, come into the Symposium and let’s teach and learn from each other!
And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges In this Plus Expenses we talk about: It’s the official “crossover” Plus Expenses, James Garner handing off a baton to a wizard, feelings about ending Two Hundred a Day (but Two Hundred a Day will remain!), actually ending a thing, starting a new podcast: Unwritten Earths Symposium, how Plus Expenses will fit into the new show, the early days of Dread, building our new Discord so it’s a place where people play each others games, the experience of playing THAT game, learning new podcast skills, learning from The Rockford Files, goals for Unwritten Earths, future Two Hundred a Day eps, THANK YOU Two Hundred a Day listeners, hello new Unwritten Earths listeners, the Unwritten Earths Patreon, and pitching the Adventure & Hobbyist Annual.

If this sounds good to you, come into the Symposium and let’s teach and learn from each other!
And there's more:

]]> In this Plus Expenses we talk about: It’s the official “crossover” Plus Expenses, James Garner handing off a baton to a wizard, feelings about ending Two Hundred a Day (but Two Hundred a Day will remain!), actually ending a thing, starting a new podcast: Unwritten Earths Symposium, how Plus Expenses will fit into the new show, the early days of Dread, building our new Discord so it’s a place where people play each others games, the experience of playing THAT game, learning new podcast skills, learning from The Rockford Files, goals for Unwritten Earths, future Two Hundred a Day eps, THANK YOU Two Hundred a Day listeners, hello new Unwritten Earths listeners, the Unwritten Earths Patreon, and pitching the Adventure & Hobbyist Annual.

If this sounds good to you, come into the Symposium and let’s teach and learn from each other!
And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+U-zsrpLT ]]> Enter the Symposium https://unwrittenearths.fireside.fm/01 058c42b2-1513-4409-b187-fd4f2d924e3c Tue, 19 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0800 provost@unwrittenearths.com (Unwritten Earths Symposium) 01 Enter the Symposium full Unwritten Earths Symposium Welcome to the Unwritten Earths Symposium Podcast! On Episode 0, game designers Nathan D. Paoletta and Epidiah Ravachol introduce themselves, talk about the Symposium, and then uncover some arcane games from their game discovery homework. Have we designed a game yet? 1:00:57 false Welcome to the Unwritten Earths Symposium Podcast! On Episode 0, game designers Nathan D. Paoletta and Epidiah Ravachol introduce themselves, talk about the Symposium, and then uncover some arcane games from their game discovery homework. Have we designed a game yet?

In this episode, we mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> game design, ttrpgs, indie games, indie game publishing, playtesting, rpgs, challenges Welcome to the Unwritten Earths Symposium Podcast! On Episode 0, game designers Nathan D. Paoletta and Epidiah Ravachol introduce themselves, talk about the Symposium, and then uncover some arcane games from their game discovery homework. Have we designed a game yet?

In this episode, we mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> Welcome to the Unwritten Earths Symposium Podcast! On Episode 0, game designers Nathan D. Paoletta and Epidiah Ravachol introduce themselves, talk about the Symposium, and then uncover some arcane games from their game discovery homework. Have we designed a game yet?

In this episode, we mentioned:

And there's more:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/bswL6G-h+ZahMRrck ]]>