Longwinded One: The Podcast: Recent Episodes
Longwinded One
A podcast dedicated to literature, language, and the fantastic. Home of the Inglorion Bastards Trilogy and the Sembian Revival campaign. Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, LOTR, and Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Seasons 1-3 (Episodes 1-150) are set in Middle Earth. Season 4 (Episodes 151-200) are set in Forgotten Realms.
We start with a bar fight in this one, have a reunion with Fern, and get some marching orders from Brigid. And as Ruadan says at the end of the chapter, "Come on, Runt,” he said with his usual sly smile. “It’s time for a training montage.”
Read more on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga
Reader Compendium:
https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/
These are some of my favorite chapters of part 1. Ruadan hooks Bren up with some magic items from the Gorias treasure vault. And later that night, they make their way to the Lower City to frequent a non-so-friendly tavern called Unseelie.
Read more on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga
Reader Compendium:
https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/
In this episode we talked with two podcasters: Max Heiliger of the CritRPG Podcast and Dakota VanLinden of the UpperPen Podcast. These two were inspiration to me, as I began season 5 and decided to switch to LitRPG authors and narrators. Come and listen as we talk about our favorite genres, and the secrets of what goes on behind the scene of a podcast.
Links:
https://linktr.ee/madix3
https://upperpen.com/
Gorias is Bren's first metropolis in Annwn. When they first arrive they encounter the Queen's guard, who take Morias, Tadg, Fí, and Bren to the castle. There they meet the Breo-Banríon herself and her son, Ruadan.
Read more on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga
Reader Compendium:
https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/
In these two chapters, Bren gets a new last name and a Power Rank level up. We also learn about the Fomorians and arrive at Gorias!
Read more on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga
Reader Compendium:
https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/
Dungeon Lord is coming back on August 28, 2024! In this interview we get to talk with the creator, Hugo Huesca, and the narrator, Jeff Hays (of Soundbooth Theater fame). We talk about where Hugo has been the last five years, we learn that both of these creators are also into MMA, and we learn that Soundbooth Theater will be hosting their own conference next summer!
Links:
https://hugohuesca.com
https://soundbooththeater.com
https://litrpgcon.com
Find out what happens when our main character gets sent to the bottom of the Well of Drowning, and then has to fight an undead Celtic spirit called the Bánánach.
Read more on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga
Reader Compendium:
https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/
The crew gets on a ship at Port Cóelrenna and attempts to sail across the Straits of Segais. They meet some changelings along the way that may not be who they appear to be. They also meet Fern. Fern has nice freckles. As one of my readers said on Royal Road, "Here we see how pretty women make men stupid." And... was that Sailor in the Well song foreshadowing?
Read more on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga
Reader Compendium:
https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/
Heading away from Mag Mell, Fí finally shares why she has been so mean to Bren. And did someone say Irish pub? Oh yeas, at the end of this episode we get to hear a sea shanty and get into our first Otherworldly bar brawl.
Read more on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga
Reader Compendium:
https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/
You get a glimpse of the Fomorians in this chapter and their might in battle. Bren gets his first taste of battle, and he surprises Fíadan!
Read more on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga
Reader Compendium:
https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/
In these chapters you find out a lot about the world of Annwn as well as getting a glimpse into the world's possible factions (and faction disagreements). There are also some talk of magic items and a mysterious tea of the Otherworld!
Read more on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga
Reader Compendium:
https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/
These chapters start out with a bang. Fíadan, Bren, and Morias battle the Winter Hag and and thrust back into Annwn, where they are greeted by and old friend, and some angry fairies.
Read more on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga
Reader Compendium:
https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/
We hope you enjoy the first two chapters of Children of the Cold Moon: The Four Treasures Saga, Book 1. In these chapters you get to meet the main character Bren and his "manservant" Tathan. But you quickly discover things are as they seem...
Read more on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga
Reader Compendium:
https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/
Join us in this episode as we get a chance to talk to RavensDagger, the prolific writer known for: Cinnamon Bun, Stray Cat Strut, Fluff, Dead Tired, Lever Action, Heart of Dorkness, and Love Crafted. He talks to us about his 2024 Stray Cat Strut Fanfiction Contest!
Links:
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/147338
https://www.patreon.com/RavensDagger
Join Seth and Johnathan as we discuss their book Big Sneaky Barbarian and play "Guess that Review." We also get to hear an original song inspired by their work called "Dragons in the Sky," performed by Anaria. In addition, we talk about their new joint writing venture called "Meet your Maker." It will be available for preorder from Amazon on Oct. 14, 2024.
Links:
https://linktr.ee/serhmy
https://www.johnathanmcclain.com
https://meetyourmaker.world
https://anariamusic.com
Jank, is about a game tester who plans on getting revenge against "Con Man Claude", who ruined a potentially amazing VRMMO in an effort to scam money out of the users. The ending is completely satisfying.
Author Jack Pembroke:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/32291/jank
Narrator Henry Kramer:
https://henrywkramer.com
@hwkramervo
Jack is another Massachusetts author! Listen in as he talks about his experiences selecting a publishing company (he ultimately chose Podium Audio). This interview was especially interesting, as Jack regaled us with his much researched advice on how to build a following on Royalroad.
Jack's Website:
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/164532
Shoutout Generator Thread:
https://www.royalroad.com/forums/thread/129635
Art is subjective. Yet some forms of art can be spread over a much larger group of people. Some people enjoy paintings, others prefer art showcased in statues. So when Aeric comes to a different world and needs to adapt to it. When he needs to find a place he fits in with his pacifist tendencies. He chooses his own form of Art, possibly the most widespread form of all. The art of the Tailor.
Author Link:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/52862/beauty-in-simplicity
Narrator Link:
https://www.jennacainevo.com
https://www.instagram.com/itsjennacaine
https://www.tiktok.com/@jennacainevo
https://twitter.com/JennaCaine
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12713469/
https://www.facebook.com/ItsJennaCaine/
This season has something for everyone. Sayl joins us from the Netherlands and tells us about his story, Beauty in Simplicity. If you like Travis Baldree's Legends and Lattes, you will recognize the "simplicity" in Sayl's story- the story of a main character who finds beauty in becoming a tailor.
Links:
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/66840
Misc. Links:
https://blaise-corvin.com
https://bonnielprice.com
https://www.writerswrite.co.za/cheat-sheets-for-writing-body-language
Discord sayl1993
Arwyn has just bought Fantasia, the first fantasy-based VRMMORPG, with 99% realism that you can play while you sleep. In the game, she becomes Fey, a moon elf starting in the magical Elvenwood. Join her (and her snarky narrator who likes to interject sarcastic comments in parentheses) on her exciting, often hilarious adventures inside this magical world full of every fantasy creature you've ever encountered in books, games, and movies, and a few that you haven't.
Author Unice5656:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/98/fantasia
Narrator Tabitha Garland:
https://www.tabithagarlandvo.com
https://www.youtube.com/@alttabhorror
https://www.instagram.com/alttabvo/
Not only was Unice among the first to publish her work on Royalroad over ten years ago, but she has continued writing her initial story, Fantasia (which has almost 2 million views). Join her as she offers very sound advice to new writers and talks about her unique blend of comedy and romance in litrpg.
Links:
1/2 Prince translation by Yu Wo:
https://www.princerevolution.org/halfprince-main
Legendary Moonlight Sculptor epubs:
https://www.reddit.com/r/noveltranslations/comments/hww6iz/the_legendary_moonlight_sculptor_revised_epubs
Fantasia on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/98/fantasia
Fantasia on ScribbleHub:
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/15439/fantasia
Eterna's Source on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/2635/eternas-source
Lonely Light on Royal Road:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/3569/lonely-light-complete
A Wild Fey Has Appeared! on Audible:
https://www.audible.com/pd/A-Wild-Fey-Has-Appeared-A-Slice-of-Life-LitRPG-Audiobook/B0C415LPZM
A Wild Fey Has Appeared! on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Fey-Appeared-Slice-Life-ebook/dp/B0C44SGHXW/
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/unice5656
Join the Fantasian Discord Server!
https://discord.gg/YszTEAJSbt
In a world corrupted by treachery and ambition, Thorian Steelblade was a fearsome leader, on the brink of conquering the capital and etching his family's name into history. But betrayal came from within, leaving him broken and defeated. In his final moment, Thorian unleashed a devastating self-destruction spell to ensure his enemies shared his fate.
However, Thorian awakens to find himself alive, but far from victorious. Transformed into a weak, white-furred creature called a White Kobold, he is lost and alone in an unfamiliar land. Stripped of his power and his kingdom, Thorian must navigate through a world where humans and monsters vie for supremacy. Can the fallen lion rise up from the dredges of being reincarnated as a mere dog, grasping back his former glory? Or will he fall to the depths of despair and the treacherous darkness of this world?
Author Link:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/66453/apocalypse-reborn-as-a-monster-a-kingdom-building
Narrator Link:
https://bdcookvo.com
In this episode we talk to Omar from Morocco. His kingdom building, "system apocalypse" webnovel, called Apocalypse: Reborn as a Monster" is hugely popular. And with a background in data analytics, Omar is able to tell us about how to "min/max" our way into the good graces of Royal Road.
Links:
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/159371
https://www.patreon.com/DreamTickler
Misc Links:
First Western System Apocalypse I've read/seen
Monsoon (Inspiration)
Puddles
Flossindune (suggested I add in the first chapter)
Doomsday Lord (Inspiration for the Territory System)
Some time ago, a planes-traveling archmage made up a video game to train some people on the planet Earth for the catastrophe he knew was coming.
That game was the Power of Ten.
The gods seized this opportunity to take the templates of some of those characters, and even their souls, for use in other worlds, and other realms.
Sama Rantha is one of those characters, and is going to find out that being a Hagchild and having to survive after your Hag Curse fails to murder you at birth is much, much less fun than setting it as your Race at level One on a gamescreen.
Join Sama Rantha on her Road to Ten, and letting her Hagmother know exactly what she thinks of her...
Author Link:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/29996/the-power-of-ten-book-one-sama-rantha-and-book
Narrator Link:
https://rjbayley.com
On this episode, RED tells to us about his time on Webnovel and on Royal Road. On Royal Road his Power of Ten has over 7 million views. RED talks to us about his main character, Sama Rantha, and how the chapter he shared (for podcast episode 21) is a fan favorite. Enjoy!Links:https://www.royalroad.com/profile/151859https://www.patreon.com/ThePowerofTenBook References: The Book of Twelve Swords by Fred Saberhagen is available on Amazon, as are the original Riftwar books by Feist.The original Tom Swift books, and Rip Foster's Ride the Gray Planet, are something you'll have to scrounge up on Ebay or something, they are long out of print. Again, I read them in grade school, so very friendly to younger readers.Honorable mentions: The entire line of Conan Books, Tarzan Books, and original Sherlock Holmes books were favorites growing up, along with John Carter, Warlord of Mars. Conan is basically the model for all original D&D adventurers and warriors! Jules Vernes' various stories are excellent starting points to get kids interested in outlandish science fiction.Naturally I also read all the original Star Trek and Star Wars novels, and stayed up VERY late to catch late night episodes of Star Trek, which only came on at midnight.Among more recent series, the Warhammer 40k line of Gaunt's Ghosts by Dan Abner is one of the consistently good lines of stories coming out of them. Necropolis of that line is a great sci-fi/fantasy military novel I've read at least a half-dozen times.
I can't tell you the last time I've had this much fun during an interview! In this interview, we do a deep dive into the world of Valdrani. We discuss the Good Guys, the Bad Guys, The Grim Guys, and the upcoming Ugly Guys series. The writer/narrator pair discuss their favorite parts of the series and we even get a unique look behind the screen into Glaton, the Gods, and a special ability of the kobolds.
Links:
http://www.ericugland.com
https://neilhellegers.com
Aden... Aden had an ugly childhood. It taught him how to fight and survive, taught him how to run and hide and cut ties. Taught him that he wasn't born right. It didn't teach him much else. So Aden ran.
Aden grew up. Discovered the world, and crossed an ocean. Made his life his own. Soul-deep pain notwithstanding, he fought to be happy. Aden made do.
Until the aliens invaded his neighborhood.
What to do when you have a rifle in hand, and are damn good with it?
What to do when the rifle isn't enough, when the only way to save a girl and her mother from death, is to die himself?
Aden makes his choice, and is rewarded beyond his wildest dreams. Or perhaps...exactly to his wildest dreams.
Ladies and Gentlemen! Follow Aden as he alters his DNA with the power of Vanguard science to become what, and who, he wishes to be. Accompany Tinea as she greets the world and promptly explores new places, voluntarily or not. Watch as she meets new people; one in particular, one in terrible need of cuddles.
Links:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/66260/tinea-and-leah-cyberpunk-alien-incursions-murder
https://www.christyhodson.com
In this heartfelt interview with Charlie (aka Eleeyah), we learn about the German writer and his fan fiction set in the world of Stray Cat Strut. His work, Tinea and Leah has taken on a popular life its own over on Royal Road, and Charlie talks to us about his hopes and dreams for this Cyberpunk fiction.
Links:
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/149166
https://discord.gg/BTPdzsk8SH
https://ko-fi.com/eleeyah
To take a dragon's hoard is to challenge death.
The greatest of the sea-drakes wakes, curled on his silver throne; but there is no silver. His hoard is stolen. He rises, screaming, and chases the thief to the ends of the world—only to be shot from the sky.
But dragons do not die easy, and never one with such festering hatred. A dungeon core rises from his corpse.
If he intends to survive so near the cove of pirates that slew his past self, he'll need to master his powers—and quickly. For these pirates are dragonslayers; they won't be felled by mere mushrooms or spiders.
Beneath the lawless Calarata, the young dungeon core will have to fight to survive; and one day, he will return death to the man who killed him.
Author Adam Atenburgh:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/54416/dragonheart-core
Narrator Benjamin May:
https://www.benjaminmayactor.com
https://twitter.com/benmayactor
In this episode, author Adam Atenburgh talks with us about Progression Fantasy, his process through the publishing world (and audiobooks), his “Snake” series, and his current work of fiction- Dragonheart Core.
Adam Atenburgh Websites:
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/210367
Misc. Websites:
NoDragons
Thieves' Dungeon
Will Wight
Cradle
Mother of Learning
This is a Modern Age Online story.
It is the Future. The realm of online video game entertainment has grown, creating vast and wonderous worlds for people to explore and enjoy.
This is the story of Kaleb, a young gamer, and his adventures in the latest Super-Hero Virtual reality MMO: Modern Age Online. Join him as he takes on villains (both player and NPC), joins forces with other player heroes, and even deals with some of the bureaucracy of being a hero in a perfect virtual recreation of the world. No cheats, no guides, just one newbie Super-Hero against the forces of villainy in his new virtual home.
Author Zrail:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/20807/modern-age-online
Narrator Andrew James Spooner:
https://andrewjamesspooner.com
https://linktr.ee/theonlyspoon
This interview was a lot of fun. Zrail and I talked about his love of video games, board games, and comic books. We talked about the authors that influenced his super hero story Maxwell Flourish, and his larger world of Modern Age Online. A must listen!
Zrail Websites:
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/50378
Misc Websites:
Mausritter Tabletop game
Vasily Mahanenko's Way Of The Shaman
Drew Hayes Super Powereds
A Werewolf In Under-Town
Gods are, generally speaking, not fans of directly putting their fingers on the scale. This is for a variety of reasons, ranging from cautioun to amusement, but is generally because after a few hundred millennia and enough prayers to fill a hollow Earth, you're bound to learn the art of delegation. Luckily, among the unwashed masses, there exist the exceptional, the gifted, those with the potential to become Heroes.
Useful pawns.
Thus, the Gods adopted a more laissez-faire policy.
Quasi Eludo has been a Hero. He did the whole "save the world” rigmarole, came home, and mulled over his magical journey. It was amazing! A whole lifetime as the destined savior, with magic and monsters, love and adventure, lifelong friendships and heartfelt goodbyes. There was so much, and yet, gone so soon.
It wasn’t enough. It was never enough. He wanted to do it again. And where wants coincide, there's a market, so he sold his services to the lazy, wanton Gods.
Now, after countless subjective centuries of Hero-ing, and several awkward conversations with the IRS, an odd God has come to Quasi with a unique request: Destroy a world, minimum payment of several million dollars on completion.
Quasi sees no reason not to accept.
Author Nino/Cliff Hanger:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/22546/inexorable-chaos-complete
Narrator Mads Lindegaard:
https://madslindegaard.com
Come and learn from Cliff Hanger as he describes his unique story, Inexorable Chaos. Listen as we discuss the difference between experience and power. And finally, learn about the beginning stages of the publishing process, as Cliff Hanger traverses early interest letters from his future publishers.
Nino/Cliff Hanger Websites:
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/28356
Misc Websites:
https://wanderinginn.com/
https://querytracker.net/
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/8894/everybody-loves-large-chests
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/5701/savage-divinity
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/10286/the-good-student
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/2058/those-who-aspired-to-become-gods-a-darker-fairy
A very familiar soldier, used to battling the 'endless' hordes of Hell, is eventually overrun and dies. But his war isn't over yet...
Author Angry Spider:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/34854/doom-guy-isekai
Narrator Jack Sapsford:
https://jacksapsford.com
https://twitter.com/jacksapsford
In this interview, we learn about how Angry Spider entered the world of LitRPG and his advice for new authors. We learned how he came to write a hugely successfully Doom fan fiction web novel that has over one million views (without ever playing Doom)!
Angry Spider Websites:
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/162623
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5cjj0KMxdLlBQjPz-BK9jQ
Misc Websites:
Chrysalis
Join us as we chat with the dynamic duo behind the Everyone Loves Large Chest series. In this episode we tackle everything from how both Jeff and Neven got into Litrpg, to the importance of anonymity on the Internet, to "mean" book reviews. Learn about what each of them is currently working on, and hints about how they will end the ELLC series.
Links:
Soundbooth Theater
https://soundbooththeater.com
Neven Iliev's Audible Page
https://www.audible.com/author/Neven-Iliev/B076HNB4T2
Everyone Loves Large Chests
https://www.audible.com/pd/Morningwood-Everybody-Loves-Large-Chests-Vol1-Audiobook/B076Y2FWGY?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
Life Reset
https://www.audible.com/pd/Life-Reset-A-LitRPG-Novel-Audiobook/B076DL3FF4?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
Chrysalis
https://www.audible.com/pd/Chrysalis-Books-1-3-Audiobook/B0CS3XXW7C?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
Mimic & Me
https://www.audible.com/pd/Mimic-Me-Audiobook/B0CDCLSH6G?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
Dungeon Crawler Carl
https://www.audible.com/pd/Dungeon-Crawler-Carl-Audiobook/B08V8B2CGV?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
The Stars Have Eyes
https://soundbooththeater.com/shop/audiobooks/the-stars-have-eyes-episode-one-arrival/
Neven's Illustrator, Daniel Gonzalez:
https://www.deviantart.com/dmaxcustom
Dead Tired
https://www.audible.com/pd/Dead-Tired-I-Audiobook/B0CP2T1M1Y?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
Small Chests Are Fine Too
https://soundbooththeater.com/shop/audiobooks/everybody-loves-large-chests-small-chests-are-fine-too-episode-1-cinematic-audio/
Aldritch of clan Blackshield is older than dirt and tired of just living day to day with no hope for the future.
A half-giant Dwarf by birth, a cleric by class, a soldier by duty, and a survivor by necessity. Aldritch has lived through more wars than he cares to recall. He's seen kingdoms rise and empires buried beneath the sands of time, and he personally witnessed the appearance of the first portal that bridged the gap between the demon realm and his home world. That portal was the catalyst that caused a chain reaction, which eventually led to the death of his world.
However, this isn't the end of Aldritch's story. And his next great adventure will take him to faraway lands where he'll make new friends, new enemies, discover a newfound love... And kill enough demons to drown the world in their blood.
Sulika Wysarie is the current leader of the Azuris' Hunter's Guild 3rd closing team. She lives with her lifelong friend; part time genius potion maker and shop owner, and full-time flirt - Faeyra Silverowl. The two of them have shared a secret since they were kids - Sulika is the sole surviving member of her family, a Kitsune, and more importantly, an heir to the mythical nine-tailed fox.
An oracle with a 90% accuracy rating has forewarned the hunter's guild that a group of cultists intend to open a portal to the demon realm right in the heart of their beloved city... But no one takes her seriously. No one, save for Sulika and her team. Now it's up to a Kitsune sorceress and her team to save their beloved city from the claws of demons. And in doing so, bring upon the world a walking calamity of anger and destruction.
Author ReWight:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/72623/mistaken-for-a-returnee
Narrator Luke Jones:
https://www.voiceofjones.co.uk/
https://thatswhattheysaid.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/voiceofjones
Join us as Alex walks us through all of the backstory for his Royal Road novel, Mistaken for a Returnee. He talks about the story that coined the phrase “Royal Road”, about writing in the wee hours of the morning, and the importance of staying true to your story.
ReWight Websites:
Royal Road Profile
Alex Wight Books
Patreon
Misc. Websites:
A Gamer's Wish
A Thousand Li
The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor
A story of being transported to another world. The main character is forced into the military in a fantasy setting and rises through the ranks while keeping his true ability secret.
Author: Alwaysrollsaone
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysrollsaone
https://www.scribblehub.com/profile/105575/alwaysrollsaone/
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/58243/a-soldiers-life
Narrator: Jonathan Waters
https://www.jonwatersvoiceover.com
https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Jonathan+Waters
Come learn about Erick (aka Alwaysrollsaone) and his work on A Soldier's Life. A Dungeon Master at heart, Erick talks about what has inspired him and his work. This interview gives you a glimpse into the life of an independent author, and how much dedicated time they spend interacting with their work and with their fans.
Alwaysrollsaone Websites:
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysrollsaone
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/120381
https://www.scribblehub.com/profile/105575/alwaysrollsaone/
Genre Books:
First Book Introducing me to Genre: Way of the Shaman (7 book series)
He Who Fights with Monsters
Azarinth Healer
The Wandering Inn
Beneath the Dragon Eye Moons
Misc Web Sites:
Webnovel.com (serial web novels – usually translated stories)
Wuxiaworld.com (serial web novels – usually translated stories)
Royalroad.com (free story posting site)
Scribblehub.com (free story posting site, NC 17+ stories)
Topwebfiction.com (links to popular web novels)
Roll20.net (place to run table top games online)
Eunora Dawn is just a child. She was born a noble in the kingdom of Maeve, with 5 siblings and a shy personality. At a glance, her life was meant to be rosy.
But, when Eunora unlocks the [System] on her 8th birthday, she gains more than she expected. Memories of her past life as a strong-willed and fulfilled woman flood her mind and all but overwrite her personality. Filled with existential dread and grief over losing her past loved ones, Eunora goes from an innocent child filled with hope for her family to someone who is just trying to keep herself afloat in a strange world that almost seems too awful to be true.
With her sudden change in personality, as two individuals become one within Eunora, she has to find something she cares about. Anything. As long as it gets her out of bed.
Eunora loved her life in the Before -and she’s not looking forward to growing up again. All Maeve has shown her is neglect and longing, and after living a life of privilege she’ll need to adjust.
Author: AlloraLee
https://alloraleewrites.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@alloralee
https://www.patreon.com/alloraleewrites
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/46934/otherworldly
Narrator: Melissa White
https://twitter.com/itsmelissawhite
https://www.tiktok.com/@melissaxwhite
Come listen as we talk with AlloraLee, the brilliant mind behind the web novel Otherworldly. We discuss all things, from the inspiration of her writing, to her time on Royal Road, and finally to the authors she loves the most! We also get some fan questions answered!
AlloraLee Websites:
https://alloraleewrites.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@alloralee
https://www.patreon.com/alloraleewrites
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/214338
Misc. Websites:
The Wandering Inn
Practical Guide to Evil
Candlelit Lives
Join us in the inaugural episode of season 5 where we talk to Robert Bevan and Jonathan Sleep about LitRPG and GameLit. We ask them about the origins of Critical Failures and how the author and narrator came to work together. Among other topics, we discuss the progress Robert has made on Critical Failures X, and the working title.
Robert Bevan's Website:
https://www.caverns-and-creatures.com
https://www.youtube.com/@cavernsandcreatures
Jonathan Sleep's Website:
https://www.jonathansleepvoiceover.com
@JLSleepVO (all platforms)
THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EACH NARRATIVE EPISODE FROM SEASON 4, IN ONE UNINTERRUPTED EPISODE. ENJOY!
Far East of the Sword Coast, the Shadovar and Uskevren have fallen. The Shadowstorm is no more. Sembia is fractured into city states. A mysterious hero rises from the ashes to usher in a new era of prosperity. Yet, there is still suffering. Cormyr and the wild elves of the Dalelands offer war on all sides. Earthmotes, madness, and shadow dragons plague the lands. These are the tales of the heroes who ended that suffering… 1491 DR The Year of Sembian Revival.
Join us as we chat with the Archmage, Ed Greenwood, about Sembia. We learn from him about the process of writing The Halls of Stormweather, about the evolution of Forgotten Realms, and about the details that pertain directly to this podcast (who is Yeven, what exactly was Koril's Well, etc.).
Archivos Podcast: 20 Minutes with Ed Greenwood https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/archivos-podcast-network/id495606011?i=1000350514067
Plotpoints Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plot-points/id768952889?i=1000462077700
Sembia References: https://longwinded.one/sembian-sources/
Fate of the Norns: https://pandemoniumbooks.com/collections/pendlehaven-games
The Ultimate Viking Anthology: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/avalkauskas/the-ultimate-viking-anthology?ref=geeknative
Join us as we chat with the voice actors who made this podcast happen. Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout this last year. We hope everyone enjoyed it.
The morning after the battle inside of Old Hazard Farm... We find out what comes next for our heroes. Mitoa goes to Cormyr (with something in tow). Ciran heads to Battledale. Jendal stays at the Farm. And Sonya heads off on a secret adventure.
Thaisce takes Mitoa and Jendal to Old Hazard Farm. Inside the group battles the shadar-kai and their leader, Kaligax. Jendal encounters Lana. And though both she and Jendal end up badly beaten, Lana sacrifices herself to save her adopted brother. Thaisce finds the tablets and transports them to safety, and the rest of the party readies themself for an Aldond reunion.
As Aldond breaks down the door to the ballroom, the Battle Royale begins. Thaisce and Aldond battle Fargo. The others battle the Helms. During the fight, the Source is damaged and Sonya has to hold Selgaunt aloft with the power of her mind (and ultimately take the earthmote back to the Selgaunt crater). In the end, Fargo is dispatched, and Thaisce, Jendal, and Mitoa head to the farm. Ciran stays behind to look after the unconscious/exhausted body of Sonya.
The scene opens as Gryff, the shadow dragon of Thera and Bhaal's creation, and Tunorimorgil fight to the death. Mitoa rides on the back of Tunori, helping him navigate the shadow stepping creature. Then, we find the rest of the party in the Hunting Garden of the Hulorn, inside of Selgaunt (the now earthomote). When all hope at surviving seems lost, a polymorphed Mitoa flies in as a dragon. Fargo and his Blades retreat to the palace. The party follows and is trapped in the ballroom with an injured Source and all of the Helms. As the episode closes, we hear the banging of an unknown person, trying to get into the ballroom.
This episode brings with it the last of our one-on-one cast interviews. Ben played parts in the show from Tunori to Adon. He helped to bring personality to many supporting parts. Come and listen as we get to know our cast member a little better.
The party finds themselves transported to The Scar, just outside of Sembia. There, they find the last beacon, and discover the Shaking Plague has come back in a big way. Just as they realize they can't destroy the last beacon without causing problems, they hear the Selgaunt earthmote float over Scardale. Approaching the city the heroes find themselves pitted against the inflicted townspeople, the ballistae from Selgaunt and the approaching shadow dragon- Griff! Just when all hope is lost, Mitoa comes riding in on Tunorimorgil, and The Source gives a little aid.
We begin the episode with a flashback just after Mitoa received his first Harper mission. His handler speaks to him about seeking out Aldond, and "doing what is right" for Sembia. Then, we fast forward to the present, where somehow Mitoa and Aldond both emerge from the new forests of Ordulin- the wasteland caused by the Maelstrom having been eradicated by the planting of the Koril Seed. As Mitoa begins to question Aldond, a familiar black dragon shows up!
Ciran awakes to find himself in the Shadowfell. What's worse? He is in the courtyard of the Fortress of Memories. Beside him are the bodies of his friends. The Raven Queen does that "bad guy monologue" when the grace of Hanali pulls the spirits of Thaisce, Jendal, and Sonya away from the dark. They awaken and begin to be transported to Scardale. However, before they can leave, the Raven Queen leaves them with a picture of what is happening to Jendal's adopted family- Lana and Prospero. Little does he know that they are the keepers of the Tablets of Fate at Old Hazard Farm, where Kaligax and his Shadar-kai brothers have just arrived.
The party discovers that the Hole of Yhaunn is no longer just a dead magic zone. In parts of the Hole, the potency of magic is doubled! After Spitze dispatches the rest of his friends, Ciran uses "something he won in an 'Ante' game back in Westgate" to destroy Spitze. Then, Adon says a fond farewell to Ciran, by offering the grace of Lady Goldheart.
In this episode we get to know Steve, the man behind the monk. We also talk about Star Wars, past campaigns, and what is to come for Jendal. Enjoy.
Spitzes, One of the "children" of Thera, is alone in the Hole of Yhaunn. He knows that something has happened to his mother. But his brother, Griff, reaches out after he escapes the fallout of the Koril Seed in Ordulin. The shadow dragon brothers plot their revenge on Sonya and her group. Meanwhile, in Selgaunt, The Source, Fargo, and Kaligax plot their next steps.
In this episode, we interview the esteemed John Pruden. He voiced our beloved Erevis Cale, Magadon Kest, and Drasek Riven in eight of the Sembia novels. We find out about his recording process, his interaction with Audible and Wizards of the Coast, and- as a special treat- he reads a snippet of "All the Sinners' Saints" (a short story published in Dragon Magazine #297).
After a brief rest, the group begin talking about their next steps. Aldond appears to be out from under the influence of the Raven Queen, yet still in withdrawal from the power of his sword. The group senses some helms being slaughtered outside the walls of Sakkors, and braces for the coming of Thera (The Ravager) and her dragon, Griff. In the chaos that unfolds, the group realizes that Aldond has thrown himself into he ravine, likely in an ill-fated attempt to find his blade. Sonya shadow steps the group away from Ordulin, but Mitoa stays behind to plant the Koril Seed. The rest of the group step through the shadows to Yhaunn.
The battle with Aldond is on. Ciran does some swashbuckling with Aldond and his blade, Aurumordic. Jendal rescues Thaisce from the ledge. Sonya is alive (and knocks the blade out of Aldond's hands). Thaisce uses Celestiar to dispel Aurumordic and Ciran throws the sword off of the bridge and into the ravine. Then the group ponders what to do with the defeated Lord High Governor...
In this pivotal episode, the party meets Aldond Talendar in the Inner Sanctum of Sakkors. The Source leave's Sonya's body for the new mythallar that Aldond and and his Shadar-kai have constructed (with the help of the Raven Queen). And just before all hell breaks loose, the mythallar teleports away to Selgaunt.
The crew heads along just north of the Dawnpost from Yeven's Shrine. Eventually, they make it to the destruction that was formerly the capital- Ordulin. There they encounter the Shadar-kai, led by their leader Kaligax. When a battle ensues, Ciran's brother, Firin, comes to their rescue.
With the heroes reeling from Sonya's death, the doors of Yeven's Shrine open to the upper levels. Adon brings them up to meet the caretaker of the shrine, Tassarion. Tassarion tells Ciran that he is a noble elf, son of a powerful elven woman named Yeven, who preached the "duality" of the Seldarine. The group decides that the next move should be to take Sonya's body "home" to the ruins of Sakkors - in Ordulin.
Having escaped Thera in Ravager form and her dragon Griff. We learn that Ciran found an Avenorani flower and wished his way (at the suggestion of Adon) to his mother's home- Yeven's Shrine. Appearing in the underground rooms of the shrine, the crew learns that the elves used this space for grand trance experiences, and that they may not leave the space without having experienced a vision. Mitoa glimpses a vast ruined cavern with a glowing orb. Ciran appears in the "Hole" and speaks to Thera's other dragon, named Spitze. Thaisce appears near a city, "where the scar meets the sea." There a mountain emerges from the clouds. And Jendal hears his long-lost "sister's" words through Sonya's dying lips.
Come chat with the author/editor of such things such as: Star Wars Insider, Amazing Stories, and Dragon Magazine. In this episode Dave Gross talks about his time at TSR, Wizards of the Coast, and Paizo Publishing. He also talks about his love of Forgotten Realms and the characters of Tamlin and Talbot Uskevren from Selgaunt.
Dave Gross Official Site (see the pinned post on the order of the Radovan & the Count novels) http://frabjousdave.com
Handsome Siblings https://www.netflix.com/title/80996973
Defenders of Dunbury Castle https://aetaltis.com
Jeremiah and Evelyn stopped by to chat about their characters. Join us to learn more about Thiasce and Thera.
The party hopes to escape the sound of dragon wings by checking out the cave at Ramblecoats where supposedly Aldond first came across Aurumordic. But inside the cave there is a Shadow Crossing to the Shadowfell. A female voice emanates from the rift and the Raven Queen distracts everyone long enough for Thera to get a seemingly fatal blow on Sonya. When Ciran, in a mad rage, stabs Thera she begins transforming into an Avatar of Bhaal- the Ravager. Jendal pops his potion of Giant Strength and wrestles with the Ravager. Refusing to kill the Ravager, the group escapes to outside of the falls where they run face to face with the Shadow Dragon, Griff. And The Ravager comes up from behind. Thera tells the dragon to unleash its breath weapon, but Adon's new-found friend, Thiasce ("Hash-ca") blocks the blast. And just when everyone thinks they have met their end Ciran finds something on the banks of the River...
Kaligax begins to set up a perimeter around Ordulin, expecting the party to be passing through any day. Aldond and Fargo discuss what will happen if The Source doesn't cooperate. And Thera finds out there are hidden gifts associated with being a chosen of Bhaal.
In this episode, the characters walk north from Archenbridge to find the dark cave where Aldond found the blade Aurumordic (Chroninastis). On the way to the hamlet of Ramblecoats Jendal explains about his past as an orphan, and his first experience with an Avenorani flower. Upon finding the scary cave, they immediately need to take shelter inside (due to the sound of a circling dragon getting louder and louder.
The party ends their travels from Fairhaven with a pint at Archenbridge's famous tavern, The Drunken Lion. It turns out Ciran's old friend Kien runs the bar there. Kien tells the group about the day they fished all of the soldiers out of the river from the Battle of Rumblecoats. They also learn that one of the Helms who helped bring the bodies out of the River Arken still lives in town. When they visit him, they learn of a mysterious cave in Ramblecoats where Aldond possibly first came into contact with Aurumordic.
The author of Shattered Mask, Richard Lee Byers, sat down with us and talked this experience writing in the realm. We talked about: his chosen character in the Uskevren family (Shamur), his preferred writing practices, and his favorite hobbies.
As the main characters escape from the Helms at Fairhaven, across Toril there is a Minister of Ao, named Thiasce (pronounced "Hash-Ca") that is activated from 1,000 years of waiting in owl form. The Deva learns about his past from the temple keeper, a sphinx known as Icosios. He learns of his past trauma and of his burning blade, Celestiar. Thiasce can vaguely see the party's role in securing the Tablets of Fate, and he can also see the danger they are walking into.
The party is being escorted to the Corinthal Estate outside of Saerb. During the trek, it is unclear whether the Helm Commander, Fargo Pennerent, recognizes the disguised Mitoa and Sonya. The group learns that Aldond Talendar was also once a Helm, and was thought dead in a skirmish along the Daleland border, called the Battle of Rumblecoats. Upon reaching the estate, the group manages to escape. They head to Archenbridge to follow up on the details about Aldond's supposed dead, and his emergence with the sword of state, Aurumordic.
The crew enters the famed town of Saerb, and discover an annual festival going on. This festival celebrates the defeat of the Rich Tharuighagh, by the Battlemaster of Tempus, named Brandon. The celebration has a contest called "Find the Phylactery," which the party reluctantly plays to "blend in." After finding the phylactery, they earn a mysterious potion and are presented with a vacation to the Corinthal Estate by the commander of the Helms, Fargo Pennerent.
You have had the pleasure to get to know Sonya already. Now, you get the same sort of behind-the-scenes look at Ciran, Mitoa, and the players that both created and voice them.
In this episode the Elves knock Ciran unconscious. And in this state, Ciran remembers training in the wild with his father, Esperan. He also remembers that Firin is no stranger, after all. Meanwhile, A tressym named Adon shows up and wants to show Ciran the way to his mother's shrine - called Yeven's Shrine.
Having just left the tomb of Ravena, the group wanders through the grasslands just east of the Stone Bridge, where the Saerbians once escaped the Shadowstorm and Sakkors. They see a cairn marking the spot where the Dawnlord had fallen from the sky to smite the nightwalker. The group discusses the truth of Sonya's past and gets to telepathically meet The Source. At that moment Aldond's new mythallar makes itself known in Ordulin/Sakkors. The group just decides to head east, when they are surrounded by the Wild Elves, led by Firin.
In this episode we learn that Thera, though badly wounded, survived the Battle of Drelt. Having just arrived in Yhaunn, she proceeds into the quarry (called the Hole of Yhaunn). Inside, you discover what they have been doing with all of those black dragons... In Selgaunt, you learn that Aldond is planning for his own demise, and he schemes with Fargo about the nature of The Source... In Ordulin, you learn that Kaligax, "The Collector," is told by the Raven Queen to lure The Source to their newly constructed mythallar.
Join Sonya, Mitoa, Ciran, and Jendal as they enter the tomb of Ravena, Daughter of the Rain outside of Kulta. There they hope to learn more about the Sembian sword of state, named Aurumordic, that Aldond now carries. It once belonged to Rauthavyr, first ruler of Sembia. And Ravena, was his bride.
After a tenday of walking and fighting, the group arrives in the village of Kulta. There they meet Godfrey, a local magistrate. From Godfrey, they learn about how the marketplace in Kulta lies on what is referred to as "The Crossroads," and why there are so many yaks in Kulta (and that they are owned by the Hokkera family). Godfrey directs them to Galiena Riyoma, the Harper contact, who is out on her morning walk. With Galiena's help, they begin to analyze the Battlerise orb/beacon.
The "Hokkera" family name is used, with permission, from robsworld.org.
Lady Luck granted us an asynchronous interview with the Clayton Emery, the author of the "Night School" short story from "The Halls of Stormweather." Learn about the architect of the Tamlin Uskevren character, and about his time writing for TSR and WotC (Wizards of the Coast).
The episode begins in a flashback of Sonya's last few moments on Sakkors. From the flashback we learned that she was one of the last shadovar off of the earthmote before it crashed into the ruins of the Ordulin Maelstrom. We learned that she has a living sentience inside her, called The Source. We learned that her given name was Alashar, and that the Most High (the leader of the shadovar) knew her and came back to save her, for some reason. After Sonya is pulled back to the present, we learn that Cecil and Thera are battling, and that Tunorimorgil has rescued the black dragon wyrmling from the confines of Drelt.
The party arrives in the "hunter's hamlet" of Drelt. They explain to Cecil that the Black Dragon, Tunorimorgil, wants them outside the city walls. Based on pride or courage, Cecil agrees to face the dragon outside before Eventide. While waiting for the dragon, Thera and the Helms approach from the south. And just as tensions are rising high, Tunori arrives inside of the city in order to free a black dragon wyrmling that Cecil and his crew had captured.
The party meets the mysterious black-robed figure just as they leave the swamp. Introducing himself as Tunori, he offers to usher the group through the hills if they help him with a very specific task. The group isn't pleased with the task, or with who the figure turns out to be...
Come listen as we talk to Marco, who created the Shadovar character, and Abby, who plays her on the podcast. Learn about her character build, the evolution of her personality, and possibly some Easter eggs (if you listen carefully).
Join us for this first interview of Season 4. Philip Athans was the Managing Editor at Wizards of the Coast when the Sembia: Gateway to the Realms, the Erevis Cale trilogy, and the Twilight War trilogy came out. He was THE Forgotten Realms guy over at Wizards, and we got to spend an hour with him! Come learn about the editorial and author selection process for the Sembia related novels. And listen as we discuss the transitions from 2nd to 4th editions. This was a lot of fun!
Heading through the Vast Swamp is one of the most dangerous things you can do in Sembia. But Lady Tymora seems to bless their path, as they bump into a Sharptooth Lizardfolk near the source of the Darkflow River. They work together to battle pursuing Shadar-kai wraiths. After regrouping back at the Sharptooth village they are rewarded by the Blackscale tribe taking them to the edge of the Infested Hills. There they spot an interesting man in black...
Want to hear from the antagonists? In this episode we hear from Kaligax, the leader of the Shadar-kai. We hear from Aldond Talendar and his patron. And finally, we hear from Thera, the Deathstalker. Not a feel-good episode... Unless you like the sound of a dragon eating a guy...
This is an immediate continuation of the last episode, where Sonia and the voice seek out the source of a magical aura from a ruined manor house in Battlerise. There she finds some Sembian Helms guarding a spherical "beacon." She she tries to acquire the orb, she is attacked by the Helms and by the Shadar-kai. Jendal, Ciran, and Mitoa come to help Sonya and the orb gets broken, causing the magical effects of the beacon to end... and those plunging the newly formed earthmote of Jarliel (which we mistakenly call Jariel) to the ground- killing everyone in Jarliel. When Mitoa's Harper friend, Harald, is attacked by the Shadar-kai, he orders Mitoa and crew to go north into the Vast Swamp. Their goal- to find out more about the beacon and about Aldond's relationship to the Shadar-kai.
In this episode, we meet another of our new heroes, Jendal, as he comes into West Battlerise. He approaches the river just as the Sembians begin a dark ritual on the eastern shore of the Darkflow River. The ground swallows up the Cormyrean army. Jendal spends the next few days trying to dig out survivors. That is when Ciran, Sonya, and Mitoa stroll into town looking for the Harper contact, Harald. Sonya begins hearing the voice again, as it attempts to direct her to a powerful source of magic.
The party wakes up to find Koril missing or dead. Even worse... they are surrounded by a group of Wild Elves, led by a man named Firin. They are seeking the Koril Seed, but Ciran and co. are not willing to part with it. Mitoa finds Koril's staff, which enables him to communicate with the trees, thus enlisting their help to get out of Koril's Well. When they arrive at Daerlun, they seek out the temple of Sune for some much needed R&R.
There is trouble the morning after the undead fight! Sonya has an encounter with the Shadar-kai hitman that are looking for her. The group makes for Daerlun through the Red Water Meadow. There, they realize they are being following. Seeing shelter, they seek out the only help in the area, a crazy old arch druid named Koril.
Welcome to Jarliel (which we mistakenly call Jariel), a port town on the Red Water Meadow in Sembia. On the eve of Greengrass, we meet Sonya, who awakes chained to the ceiling in a holding cell. We meet old friends, Ciran and Mitoa who discuss Mitoa's new Harper mission. At the Foremast, the three characters join together to battle a recent uprising of undead- another of the random wild magic events happening in the realm.
This podcast trilogy has been an amazing experience. I've learned so much and am so thankful for all of my guests and listeners that I wanted to go out in Tolkien fashion... So I wrote a lay. I hope you all enjoy it. Don't forget to check back in a few months when Season 4 kicks off with the Sembia Revival campaign. The road goes ever on...
Shawn and Alan chat with Jared about the Second Prophecy of Mandos and the Dagor Dagorath. They read parts of the early manuscript containing the prophecy and discuss theories about why Christopher (and his father) abandoned this concept. The trio end by introducing the Jared's original poem, Lay of Angruin. Listen to the Lay in episode 150- the last of the Ingolorion Bastards trilogy.
My double secret guests on this episode are none other than Alan Sisto and Shawn Marchese from the Prancing Pony Podcast. Join us as we learn more about the dynamic duo of the PPP. Come bear witness as we they partake in a "Lightning Round" set of fun question (like they do on their show).
This episode contains the last of the role playing in this campaign. All of the former players came back to play their characters on the Plains of Valinor. It got a little silly and the DM had a little too much whiskey. In the end we learned some off the wall twists of the campaign (including some that will make Tolkien fans enraged).
Join us as Dr. Andrew Higgins shows us around Warwick and Great Haywood, both of which were early sources of inspiration for the first iteration of the Lord of the Rings legendarium. Come see Warwick Castle, Shugborough Hall, Essex Bridge, and Rock Cottage. After the virtual tour we get a chance to chat a little more with Andy and what he is currently working on (and it is fascinating).
Visit Andy's blog for more information: http://wotanselvishmusings.blogspot.com
Come on a virtual tour with Mary Moore from Birmingham Tours as we visit Sarehole Mill, Moseley Bog, the new King Edward's School, Edgbaston Waterworks Tower, and Perrott's Folly.
Visit Birmingham Tours for more information: https://www.BirminghamTours.co.uk
Well, the group certainly isn't as quick as Bilbo at solving riddles, but join them in Gundabad as they try to solve an age old Dwarvish riddle... Or in this case, a "Dwarfish" riddle, in order to get the chain, Angainor.
The players bungle their way through the first two traps back in Gundabad. Witness the sheer idiocy of this episode as they attempt to find the chain, Angainor.
Back in Ilmarin, Celebrimbor and Fëanor present Feredir with the black, sister swords reforged into Angwedel, or "Iron of the Bound Star." Mor-lomin experiences the true power of the Flame of Arnor using his staff. Ezellendur is donning all three silmarils in the crown, Angrî. Okrin learns that the Mallet of Tombo, that they rescued from Angband, is essential in making the prophecy of Mandos come to fruition. And Burin learns that he is heading home to Gundabad to find the second binding chain, Angainor.
The party exits the Great Gates of Angband only to find Gothmog, the Lord of Balrogs waiting for them outside. A grand battle ensues, whereby Gothmog finds it easiest to chuck the heroes one by one into lava. Even still, good prevails in the end, and the party heads back to Ilmarin.
In what will likely be the last interview with a Tolkien scholar on the podcast, we discuss John's path to Marquette University, where he studied the Tolkien manuscripts. The resulting book is called the History of the Hobbit. John has worked for TSR and Wizards of the Coast, working on Dungeons and Dragons. Listen and learn about his wealth of fantasy knowledge, and the connections he has made over the years.
http://www.sacnothscriptorium.com/ http://sacnoths.blogspot.com/
As the group destroys the balrog looking creature in the altar room, they attempt to fight off the Virtues of Morgoth, and rescue Alatar, Ilfrin, and Imin. They discover the Mallet of Tombo and Angrî and Morgoth's Crown of Iron before coming face to face with Gothmog, the Lord of the Balrogs.
The party discovers that Thangorodrim brings out the worst in a hero. They encounter some long lasting sentries in the once ruined fortress of Melkor. Burin proceeds through the "Anger" threshold and Feredir goes through the "Obedience" threshold. At the end of this episode, the group sees an altar and something that looks like a balrog.
The group enters Thangorodrim and immediately feels "miserable." Exploring the passageways of this accused ancient stronghold, they find remnants of evil and must choose who will enter the thresholds labeled for each virtue of Morgoth.
The heroes learn that Littleheart, Imin, and Alatar the Blue have been kidnapped and taken to Thangorodrim. Varda informs the group that Angband, the home of Thangorodrim, is the most evil part of Arda, and that traveling there will likely change each character permanently. Once at the Great Gate, they are told by the sentry that inside the gate, "Your strengths become your weaknesses, your weaknesses become amplified, and each portal requires one of you to succumb to the virtues of the Dark Lord. They are: Greed, Gluttony, Anger, Vanity, and Obedience."
Join Douglas A. Anderson and I as we discuss how he originally got to know Humphrey Carpenter, Wayne Hammond, and Christopher Tolkien. Learn how his Annotated Hobbit came to be, and hear some truly interesting stories and anecdotes about independent scholarship and fantasy publishing going back 35 years. Doug and I also discuss our D&D characters' pending adventure into Angband...
Journal of Tolkien Research https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/
Some of Doug's Blogs http://tolkienandfantasy.blogspot.com http://wormwoodiana.blogspot.com http://desturmobed.blogspot.com http://ashiverinthearchives.blogspot.com
Academia.edu http://independent.academia.edu/DouglasAAnderson
The group licks their wounds after the fight against Ungoliant. They decide to head back to Ilmarin and take council. Ingwë has gone to Tirion and collected the Silmarils and used them to set Telperion ablaze. While there, the group rests. Varda and Yavanna make the Miruvórë. Then, a brave Tesoro removes the magical cloak that once saved his life but now has slowly been turning him into Laurelin. Lastly, Fëanor and Celebrimbor join the company in Ilmarin, having been newly released from the Halls of Mandos.
This fight marks the hardest the group has ever had, across all parts of the trilogy. Ungoliant is a force that seems to only get stronger as they fight her. Ezellendur is unconscious at the bottom of a Well of Varda and when the water begins to pour forth from the damaged body of Ungoliant, he begins to drown. Tesoro is unconscious also. Burin is stuck in the well. Just when all hope seems lost, Mor-lómin wields the the Flame Imperishable and becomes the light in the dark against his fellow Avathari.
The heroes make their way to Ezellohar, knowing that Ungoliant is enroute. The battle begins in the darkest part of the night, and it grows ever darker when the ancient Avathari and her minions show up. Quickly the group becomes poisoned and paralyzed from the sting of arguably the most frightening creature in the legendarium.
In this episode, Jared looks back at the previous 130 episodes, talks about what he has learned, and what he would do differently. He talks about how important the Tolkien community has been for him over the last three years. He talks what's left to come in the podcast: Cuiviénen, Angband, and Gundabad. There are interviews with Doug Anderson and John Rateliff. There are virtual tours of some of Tolkien's most important English sites. And last but not least, there is the Last Battle. At the end of this episode, listen to a bit of a preview of Jared's Sembian Revival campaign.
A nice break to the combat... The group gets back to Ilmarin and finds an old friend. Okrin is back to help them in the final trials! The group discusses how to get the cloak off of Tesoro without killing him. They discuss the vision Mor-lomín had of the coming of Ungoliant. And they discuss the cordial of the Valar- Miruvórë.
Have you ever wished Treebeard would say the song title of track #6 from The Chronic? If so (or if not), this episode is for you. Join the players as they finish the fight with Queen Berúthiel, claim Dramborleg, and bring the white tree of Meneltarma back to Ilmarin.
If the heroes weren't "cat people" before entering into the inner sanctum of Meneltarma, they certainly aren't now. The cats of the queen grant bad luck to the characters, and the Queen comes out swinging with Dramborleg. Meanwhile, being so close to the white tree of Númenor speeds up Tesoro's tree-bound effect of his cloak.
Few have given so freely of their time and contributed so much to the Tolkien community as David Bratman. Over the past 40 years, he has spent much of his time writing and organizing essays, bibliographies, reader guides about Tolkien and his body of work. Listen as we discuss elven magic, sub-creation, the three different styles of Tolkien's writing, Unfinished Tales, the status of Ungoliant, and whether or not Tolkien was a "cat person."
In this episode, the heroes enter the remains of Meneltarma. They are surprised to find several cats following them around the ruins. In the inner sanctum they find a grand white tree and Queen Berúthiel. She is wielding Dramborleg, the vicious heirloom of Númenor.
Back at Ilmarin, Irmo thanks the heroes and suggests that they do the Trial of Yavanna to get a sapling of Telperion. The players discuss the history of the Númenóreans, the fate of Númenor, the Great Eagles, the artifact called Dramborleg, and the infamous Queen Berúthiel. The players take a short rest and head to Meneltarma.
"Home Land" is the passphrase to summon the portal from Ilmarin. And finally, the party is able to whisper those words and leave the Path of Dreams, having collected the vemon of the Great Glow Worms.
As the group tries to free Mor-lómin from the jaws of a Great Glow Worm, Feredir and Burin are also swallowed. Tesoro and Ezellendur are standing alone battling the guardians of the Path of Dreams.
Dr. Vicki Ronn joins us on this episode to talk about the Mythopoeic Society, their conference, and their awards. She and Jared discuss Tolkien's "old cat lady." Jared asks about the (supposed) newly established Inklings at Oxford. Dr. Ronn mentions what is next on her reading list, the book referred to as the "Chinese LOTR," called Legends of the Condor Heroes. Check out mythsoc.org for more information about the Mythopoeic Society.
There be Glow Worms in this episode... They aren't happy to see the party. Tesoro finds a creative way to collect the venom. The group decides which Trial to do next, and Jared mispronounces Meneltarma.
The group returns the bodies of Eärendil and Arien to the palace of Ilmarin. Ezellendur becomes the Avatar of Eönwë. The group begins the Trial of Irmo and travels to Cerin Amroth. There they encounter Arwen, circa in FA 211. Though there are no more Golden Mallorn trees in Lothlórien, Arwen tells the group that Tesoro's cloak is the key to reviving a Golden Mallorn. She sends them to collect the vemon of the Great Glow Worms on the Olórë Mallë.
The party manages to collect Arien and the last Silmaril before defeating Ancalagon and heading back through the portal to Ilmarin. Find out why Ancalagon destroyed the three peaks of Thangorodrim the first time he died.
The Coronavirus is bad. Thousands of people are sick and dying. Many people are isolated. Governments and economies are suffering. People have had to put their lives on hold, so to speak. And though the Longwinded One is suffering the same fate as millions of others, including a delayed Tolkien pilgrimage to England, there is some good to be found in these strange times. The first good thing is the ability to spend more time with family. And if Jimmy Fallon can do the Tonight show from home, with his children present, so too can the Longwinded One. Enjoy.. this one is fun.
The last of the episodes with audio difficulties, in this episode the players meet their match. Ancalagon begins the beat down, and the group finds the body of Eärendil and his silmaril.
Having been awakened by Gwarthaur, Ancalagon the Black has knocked Eärendil out of the sky. With him fell his Silmaril and the carriers of the sun and moon, Arien and Tilion. While traveling through Oiomúrë, they find Tilion and the great maiar Eönwë. Then the group arrives at the Helcaraxë, where they find the body of Eärendil and his nemesis.
After the Trial of Ulmo, the group is back on Taniquetil reviewing the Octagram of Ilmarin. The DM tries to bring Charlie up to speed on how to run Burin, and after a short rest, the crew braces for an adventure into the frigid Helcaraxë in the Trial of Vana. Having been reinvigorated, Ulmo begins singing the lay of Narsilion. The group learns of Arien, Tilion, and Eönwë.
A treasure trove of fun and interesting stories, listen as Dr. Fimi discusses her written work, her most influential mentors, her favorite interviews, discovering treasures in the Bodleian Library, why The Hobbit is so much fun to read aloud, and the lay called Narsilion.
Tolkien Experience Podcast: https://luke-shelton.com/2020/01/03/tep-1-dimitra-fimi/
Charlie, Burin's new player, joins in this episode. And though we had some technical difficulties (you can't hear the player microphones), the storyline is intact. The group defeats the kraken and takes both the Dragon Helm of Dorlomin and Silmaril of Maglor back to Ilmarin.
Join us as we talk to two fans of the podcast. Liam is from the USA and Bea is from Norway. Together we talk about the campaign, Tolkien, and D&D in general. At around 29 minutes you begin to understand why the podcast is called the "Longwinded One."
Other Podcasts Mentioned: Adventure Zone Realms of Ukodor Tolkien Professor Tolkien Experience Podcast
Join the characters as Maglor leads them into the underwater structure that houses his former Silmaril. Unfortunately, the Silmaril has an angry roommate.
Heading down to the sea from Ered Luin, the party encounters Maglor standing in the waves. Beside him is another Maglor... The group must decide who is the real son of Feanor, defeat the summoned giant minions, then convince the real elf prince to show them into Maglor's Gap (which was part of Beleriand and is now underwater). He eludes to a great sea creature who has taken his former jewel into its underwater lair.
The crew pops out in Mount Dolmed, inside the once great slopes of Nogrod. Here, the spot of awakening for the father of the Firebeards, Burin discovers his true parentage, son of Dain, King Under the Mountain. That puts him in a somewhat unique position in the line of Durin. Afterward, the fellowship sets out west to the coast to find the second son of Fëanor.
On top of Taniquetil there sits the "mansion of the high airs," referred to as Ilmarin. The players find eight Valar inside looking weary and unmoving. There the High King of the Vanyar, Ingwë, teaches the characters how to travel to and from Ilmarin in a portal. The first stop is Ered Luin, the Blue Mountains.
An incredible artist, scholar, musician, and conversationalist, Ted Nasmith delights in this episode as he talks about the evolution of his art and projects. Get to know the man who has turned beloved words into beloved art.
Podcast References: All Artwork can be found on tednasmith.com Ballantine LOTR Covers Hildebrandt Calendars Oxonmoot Paul C Godfried Opera Artistic Influence: Mayfield Parrish NC Wyeth Arthur Rackham
The heroes are pushed back to the walls of Tirion before they head up to the domed mansion at the peak of Taniquetil. There, the king of the Vanyar elves, Ingwë, explains why the Valar are "weary" and the tasks they must complete to prepare for the coming of Morgoth. These trials are presenting on something called the Octagram of Ilmarin.
In this second part of the battle against the Númenórean soldiers, many on both sides get knocked down, including Ar-Pharazôn.
The characters attempt to defend the city of Tirion from the undead Númenórean soldiers, left over from the Great Armament. They continue to spill out of the Caves of the Forgotten. Leading the army, is the once great king, Ar-Pharazôn. One of the members of the fellowship dies...
Begin again the adventure at the end of days. This episode takes place immediate after the party defeated Gwarthaur and the raised and possessed Túrin Turambar and Glaurung. Jared reminds the players the state of things, and the group decides what to do with the Silmaril of Maedhros, the Master Palantir, and the tainted rapier (that they trapped Gwarthaur in).
In this second part of the interview with Dr. Flieger, we discuss many of her essays. We use "The Body in Question: the Unhealed Wounds of Frodo Baggins" as a vehicle for discussing Raiken. We talk about Numenor in "Drowned Lands" and whether it is possible for sailors to find Meneltarma after the breaking of the world. And we use "The Curious Incident of the Dream at the Barrow: Memory and Reincarnation in Middle Earth" as a means to talk about the Olórë Mallë (Path of Dreams). We end the conversation with a discussion of the Dagor Dagorath.
Other Referenced Works: J. R. R. Tolkien: A Biography (by Humphrey Carpenter) Völuspá A Wilderness of Dragons: Essays In Honor of Verlyn Flieger
Kick off the last chapter of the trilogy with Dr. Flieger. Listen as we discuss Tolkien's larger body of work, such as: The Lost Road, The Notion Club Papers, The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, On Fairy-Stories, and Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics. Learn about the concept of "eucatastrophe" and how that relates to the Lord of the Rings.
Books by Dr. Flieger: Splintered Light: Logos and Language in Tolkien's World A Question of Time: J. R. R. Tolkien's Road to Faerie Interrupted Music: The Making of Tolkien's Mythology
Collections of Essays by Dr. Flieger: Tolkien's Legendarium: Essays on The History of Middle-earth Green Suns and Faerie: Essays on J.R.R. Tolkien There Would Always be a Fairy-tale: More Essays on Tolkien
Other Referenced Works by J.R.R. Tolkien: The Kelevala Kullervo
This one is part interview and part acknowledgement. Listen as players and DM talk about what this campaign has meant to them. There are only a few spoilers for Trials of the Valar...
Join me as I chat with Canadian author, David Day. We talk about his four decades of writing books for Tolkien fans, his love of poetry, his days as a lumberjack, his interactions with members of Monty Python, his friendships with Alan Lee and John Howe, and his misunderstanding with the Tolkien Society.
In this, the last session of Rise of the Mormegil, the heroes bind the shadow maiar, Gwarthaur. They enter Tirion just before the Caves of the Forgotten open upon Túna and the fallen sons of Númenor come forth. There is no rest for the wicked or the good, it seems...
During this 2nd part of the fight, both Burin and Raiken are able to attack again. Glaurung and Túrin fall in battle, and Okrin begins the ritual to bind Gwarthaur.
In this episode we pick up where our in-person sessions left off. The group continues fighting Finduilas, Turin, Glaurung, and Gwarthaur. Turin escapes the Force Cage, Glaurung gets a vital part of his anatomy cut off, Burin is charmed, and Okrin turns into an ape. Fun is had.
For our last interview of Part Two, Marco comes back to chat with us about the changes Feredir has gone through. He laments the loss of Anguirel, and discusses this continuation of the Túrin Turambar story. He hints at an explosive ending to Rise of the Mormegil.
The last of the in-person session. Apologies for the poor sound quality. The heroes will start the next session against the remaining enemies: Finduilas, Glaurung, and Túrin Turambar (he and Gwarthaur are still stuck in the magic box).
While still fighting the undead associates of Túrin Turambar (aka The Man in Black, aka The Shadow, aka Gwarthaur). Túrin shows up riding his nemesis in life, Glaurung the Deceiver. While engaged in mortal combat, Feredir and Túrin clash the sister swords of Angirel and Anglachel (Gurthang) together. This causes a grand explosion that breaks both blades.
The group arrives at the Calacirya (The Pass of Light). From there they march up the Hill of Túna toward the great Noldor city of Tirion. Before they arrive, they encounter some long passed associates of Túrin: Finduilas of Nargothrond, Beleg Cúthalion of Doriath, and Mîm the Petty-dwarf. They don't look happy about being brought back to life, for ill-purpose.
In this episode, we talk to a professor of Geography at the University of Oregon, Mark Fonstad. He happens to be the son of Karen Wynn Fonstad, the cartographer responsible for the Atlas of Middle Earth. We discuss Karen's path into map making and how the idea for the Atlas came about. Mark gives background behind one of the most useful Middle Earth resources in existence.
Resources:
Robert Fosters- Complete Guide to Middle Earth Anne McCaffrey- Dragonriders of Pern Stephen Donaldson- The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant Ursula K. Le Guin- Earthsea Frank Herbert- Dune
TSR's- Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms
J.R.R. Tolkien Collection, Marquette University https://www.marquette.edu/library/archives/tolkien.php
Inside the Workshop of Aulë the group discovers Túrin Turambar, having been possessed by Gwarthaur, just finishing a ritual from the Golden Book. In his hands are the reforged sword, Gurthang, and the newly found silmaril of Maedhros.
The group arrives on the western shores of Eldamar, near the base of the Pelori Mountains. There they see the entrance to the Workshop of Aulë. Before entering the sky turns to black, and the dead creatures on the beach come to life.
The sea battle concludes as the heroes try to decide what to do with the regent and his men. They also find out who Ossë has been waiting to see- the huge whale, Uin.
There were some technical difficulties when recording. Therefore, this episode picks up after the 1st half of a sea battle between the Fellowship of Light and the ambushing Teleri from Avallónë- those loyal to the Regent, Escalwathon. In this episode, you learn the true name of the shadow maiar causing all the trouble- Gwarthaur, and you get to see the Mor-lómin's true form.
In this interview with Josh, we learn about Raiken's character development through part two of the trilogy. We discuss the difficulty as players and game masters in creating memorable and creative moments. And for the first time in 86 episodes, the interviewer becomes the interviewee.
Join Spriggz and the game master as they discuss Rise of the Mormegil. Get inside the mind of the original barbarian from the Bastards. Learn about what motivated Burin throughout the campaign, and why this may be the last solo Spriggz interview.
Mor-lomin wins riddle competition and is forever called Loremaster in Alqualondë. Tesoro reclaims his title at the drinking competition. Later, the group asks Olwë many questions. They ask him about how to curse Túrin from the possession of the shadow maiar, who he calls Gwarthaur. He also tells them that the silmaril of Maedhros has been found in a nearby "Workshop of Aulë.
A few of the Fellowship of Light enter the Birth of Flowers melee competition in Alqualondë. Only Feredir comes away standing. This time, the champion takes away the wine of the Eldar. Where Limpë had granted Eriol unnaturally long life, it grants Feredir relief of his lycanthropy.
To kick off the Birth of Flowers celebration, the elves hold an Archery and Performance contest, which Tesoro and Okrin both delight in. They also announce that Limpë will be the prize for the melee competition.
Fresh off their adventure at the Stone of the Hapless, the group sails for Alqualondë. There they meet the King of the Teleri, Olwë. The king welcomes the group to Alqualondë for the Birth of Flowers celebration, called Nost-na-Lothion by the Eldar.
In this, the second part of Dr. Drout's interview, we discuss how Tolkien reversed the epistemic regime by telling the story from the point of view of the least knowledgeable character. We discuss the inevitable chapter 2, Treatise of Tedium, that most of the time plague fantasy and science fiction writers (but not Tolkien). And finally, we play a game with Professor Drout. We discuss whether aspects of our D&D game would work within the lore of Middle Earth.
In this episode we talk to Professor Michael Drout from Wheaton College. We learn why so many scholars think it is important to talk about how to read Tolkien. We discuss how Tolkien created an "impression of depth" through his vast size and intricate detail in his writings. And we learn about Dr. Drout's first time meeting Tom Shippey.
The Tolkien Society https://www.tolkiensociety.org
Modern Scholars https://audiobookstore.com/audiobook-series/the-modern-scholar-series/
Authors and Academics: Tom Shippey (The Road to Middle Earth) Roman Jakobson Gabriel García Márquez Angela Carter Ursula Le Guin (Earthsea) Michael Swanwick Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke & Bone) Frank Herbert (Dune) Douglas Caine (Constructing Arda) Snorri Sturluson Jacob Grimm Douglas Anderson (Annotated Hobbit) Verlyn Flieger, Patrick Connor, David Bratman (The Tolkien Society) Dimitra Fimi
Mallorn (Tolkien Society) https://www.tolkiensociety.org/society/publications/mallorn/
Mythlore https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/
International Society of Anglo-Saxonists Conference: http://isasweb.net
Discover the crypt where Túrin Turambar and Morwen Eledhwen are buried. Discover Sador's dagger, Hathadol. Meet Túrin's former caretaker, Nellas. Back at the Tower of Pearl, they discover that Huor is now in the Halls of Mandos. The group now realizes that the Man in Black is the possessed hero, Túrin Turambar. Idril recommends seeking out Olwë in Alqualondë for council.
Discover the creatures awakened by the shadow maiar in the catacombs of Tol Morwen. The group continues onward toward the crypts of Túrin Turambar and Morwen Eledhwen.
Appearing in the catacombs of Tol Morwen, burial place of both Túrin and his mother, the group is split up. Experience the traps first-hand as the group attempts to navigate this shrine belonging to the woodmen of Brethil.
Tuor and Idril allow the group access to the mystical fountain in the Tower of Pearl. According to Ossë, this fountain is one of the only things near Eressëa that can transport the group to the Stone of the Hapless, burial place of Túrin Turambar. Anguirel, Feredir's sword, has been seeking this place since the Battle of the Grey Havens.
The Digital Philologist, James Tauber, explains to us the history of philology, how it has evolved, and the benefits of using technology to study the classics (including Tolkien). Come listen to this Renaissance man as he talks to us about why the love of wisdom and the love of words are so important.
Having just barely made it to the walls of the Tower of Pearl, the group finds it seemingly devoid of assistance. What ensues is a gruesome battle of allies. The "super-hero" werewolf is finally put to rest before Idril and Tuor come out to greet the group.
For an episode where little is achieved, this is quite a fun session. The group spends a comical hour trying to figure out how to escape the newly transformed Feredir. The great wolf, Taurmyrnoth, has his last little bit of revenge as Feredir chases his friends on toward the Tower of Pearl.
The fellowship finishes the battle against the sea creature. They end up on the Enchanted Isles just as the sun sets to reveal a full moon. Growling noises begin to come from Feredir.
You learn that Ossë is quite eccentric. He has been dropping fish into the water in Tavrobel while "waiting for a friend." From Tavrobel, the group heads into the Shadowy Seas. They quickly discover the dangers of traveling after the Man in Black, even by sea.
The brilliant creator of Realelvish.net talks with us about her site, her book, her classes, and the Sindarin language. We also talk about the Parma Eldalamberon journal, the Vinyar Tengwar journal, and the cultural rules elves use for naming things and people. Lastly, she breaks down some of elvish words we used in the campaign.
Sites Mentioned: https://realelvish.net http://www.eldalamberon.com http://www.elvish.org/ https://folk.uib.no/hnohf/ https://www.fanfiction.net
Sindarin Words Discussed: Talcrist = Foot Cleaver (instead of Hathadol) Gwarthauron = Dirty Abominable One (instead of Gwarthaur) Chiras Dellais Thrui = Finding of Wicked Secrets (instead of Rhû Limbdoll, Battle of) Celebwing Thrui = Wicked Silver Waves (instead of Drû Celebross, Battle of) Gwaith Calad = Fellowship of Light (instead of Nos Glanadur) Morveloth = Mighty Night (instead of Taurmyrnoth)
Gilfanon tells the group about the next part of the Prophecy of Mandos. He explains that if the group wishes to go to Talbor, the only way to do so is via the Tower of Pearl. The party meets up with their old friend Írimë in Tavrobel, and there they acquire a ship from their new sea captain, the maiar Ossë.
The group finds the source of the Evil Breath- the "voyager" Eriol himself. He has clearly been corrupted by the Man in Black, and has recently plagued the lower levels of the House of the Hundred Chimneys.
The group encounters more Evil Breath and some Shadow Hounds in the lower levels of the House of the Hundred Chimneys. Burin falls into a pit during the first moments of their battle with the source of the Evil Breath.
The party comes to the House of the Hundred Chimneys and discovers the Evil Breath has come to Eressëa. Gilfanon asks them for their help eliminating the source of the Evil Breath in the lower levels in exchange for information.
Join us for this language focused discussion with community expert, Paul Strack. We talk to him about the evolution of Tolkien's languages, the nature of Quenya, and we dissect some of the Quenya words from the campaign.
Quenya Words Discussed: Minyasercë = First Blood (instead of Ennayór) Corondur = Servant of the Mound (instead of Ezellendur) Morlumbë or Morhala = Dark Shadow (instead of Mor-lómin)
Tolkien Language Conference: http://www.omentielva.com
Where to find Paul: https://eldamo.org https://realelvish.net
Seeking Meril-i-Turinqi - the Lady of the Isle - the party arrives at Kortirion and discovers the Man in Black has already been there (and left his mark). After a grand battle, Meril tells the group that the Parma Kuluina (the Golden Book) has been stolen. They learn that the Man in Black was trying to forge a weapon there, and they learn the first part of the Second Prophecy of Mandos.
The group fights for their lives against an awakening evil in the forests outside of Kortirion. Okrin hopes to reach the "ancient city on a leaguered hill" before the Man in Black can defile its towers, its libraries, or its caretaker - Meril-i-Turinqi - the Lady of the Isle.
In this episode the characters chat with Littleheart, the Gong Warden, and the couple - Lindo and Vairë. There they learn about the Man in Black and that the library of Kortirion will have information about Talbor (the word Feredir's sword keeps whispering). Enroute to Kortirion, they encounter a problem...
The last of the new character chats. The DM also talks about the nature of the podcast, possible fan interviews, and reads a passage about Feredir when he was a child. End this episode with the characters' first impression of the Cottage of Lost Play.
Trying to keep these double entendres titles going for the player interviews is difficult, but well worth it. In this interview, we learn about Jon the player behind Mor-lómin. We learn that there is something truly horrifying hidden behind his dark elven-looking exterior. And we learn that this podcast is probably better named, "The Second Prophecy of Mandos" or "The Dagor Dagorath."
It wouldn't be a Middle Earth story without an elf in the fellowship. With Angolan having been dubbed the curator of artifacts at Elostirion, the party needed to fill their elven quota. Ezellendur was their man. Learn how he joined the party, why he has a bone to pick with the shadow, and who the player is behind the elf.
Making their way from Avallónë, the group sees the effect the shadow has had on the land. They encounter evil and undeath along their route to The Cottage of Lost Play.
The characters finally escape the tower and spend the last 15 minutes of the episode discussing the Man in Black (the shadow) and their role having released this evil upon the world.
Raiken, Burin, Tesoro, and the newcomer- Ezellendur- are promptly arrested when they arrive in Avallónë. At the heart of the city is the Tower of Avallónë, where the recently stolen Master Palantír used to reside. It is also the home of the city prison, where the characters meet Okrin and someone who looks like Raiken. The party reunites and is broken out of prison by a mysterious man that calls himself Mor-lómin.
Rejoin the players for their first session together in part 2 of this trilogy. Learn how the campaign has changed, and meet the new characters.
In the final installment of Dr. Olsen's interview, we discuss the nature of the Ainur, the sentimentality of the dwarves, Stephen Colbert, and Corey's recent delve into rap music.
In the second part of the interview, we discuss the man and the work of J.R.R. Tolkien. Professor Olsen then weighs in about elements of Taradon's Wager.
Join us as we chat with Dr. Corey Olsen about his first experiences playing Dungeons & Dragons, about his double major in English and Astrophysics, and about the genesis of The Tolkien Professor.
Welcome to the last episode of Part 1. Nearly two years later the full cast reassembles to discuss the campaign to date. Hints about Part 2 and Part 3 slip out in this episode.
After the the Umbarians have fled and the portal to the Lonely Isle has closed there is still much to do at the Grey Havens. Gildor Inglorion and Círdan the Shipwright explain that Raiken has passed unto the west, and that there were some corsairs that passed with him having the presence of the shadow maiar with them. They fear for the Master Palantir, in Avallónë, and for what they believe to be the beginning of the Dagor Dagorath (The Final Battle).
In the final battle of part one, Burin's greatest fear is unleashed, and Raiken makes a huge sacrifice to save Arda.
The Battle at the Wild Waves was fought at the Grey Havens in 2954 when the Umbarian corsairs besiege Cîrdan and his kin. The Nos Glanadur arrive, mid-battle, just as the Shadow appears to threaten everything both east and west of the Belegaer.
The heroes travel from the Old Forest, over the Brandywine Bridge into the Shire, and on to Tower Hills. There they pick up the Horn of Thorondor to aid them in their upcoming battle at the Grey Havens.
Bear comes back from the Undying Lands, as Grimald (now Grimmyrnoth the werewolf) bites almost everyone in the party. Join the end of the battle as the heroes decide where to go next.
Having left the Prancing Pony, the group travels quickly to Lindon via the Great East Road. North of Old Forest the group realizes quickly that the now deceased werewolf, Taurmyrnoth, has gotten the last laugh, having infected Burin's apprentice.
Join us for the last player interview of part one. Listen to Max talk about his hobbit character Tesoro. At the end of the interview, the players wind up back where they started, at Bree. Barliman Butterbur has some bad news for the Fellowship of Light.
After the ritual the fellowship trails the shadow through Tharbad. At the Greyflood, they encounter Estel, the Dúnedain, and a creature akin to the Watcher at the Westgate of Moria.
With Raiken dying on the plains of Rohan, the group decides to do Taradon's ritual. The good news is that Raiken is healed. The bad news is that the group released a shadow maiar from the void.
In our most inappropriate episode to date, the characters finish off the last of the enemies at the Fords of Isen. Meanwhile, the players lose their minds after a called shot to a very sensitive region.
When the party decided to put off doing Taradon's ritual, Saruman found a way to force their hand. Our heroes are sandwiched at the Fords of Isen between more Umbarians, trying to recover their lost equipment, and the prototype Uruk-hai. One of them has a Morgul blade... Enough said.
Join us as we discuss all things Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) with Jerry Snook and Chris Pierson, the Community Manager and Lead World Builder (respectively) from Standing Stone Games.
Now that they have the items assembled and the riddle of Taradon's Wager figured out, will the party perform the ritual? Saruman seems to think they should. To help them in their decision, Saruman sends out some prototype Uruk-hai with a Morgul Blade to chase them through the plains of Rohan.
The heroes crack the mysteries of Taradon, find the last of the items, and solve the mysteries of the "Wager." The question is, what will they do with that information?
The party is still finding their way through the catacombs of Orthanc. In this session they are on the verge of finding Taradon's shield, the embodiment of his "Wagers" diamond.
The group is in Isengard. Saruman informs the party that Taradon built Orthanc back in the Second Age. He then grants permission to search through Orthanc's catacombs to find the shield of Taradon and the last item of Taradon's Wager.
Jacob Rodgers is a writer and developer for The One Ring and Adventures in Middle-earth. Join us as we ask him about his own personal experience with role playing and Tolkien and as he hints as some of the upcoming product releases from Cubicle 7.
The fellowship manages to defeat Taurmyrnoth with no visible lasting damage, and they limp their way into Isengard. There they seek the counsel of Saruman the White as Mt. Doom comes alive.
This is the second part of this epic fight. The group attempts to take out the wargs before focusing their attention on Taurmyrnoth.
Waking up in Lorien was a pleasant way to start the player characters' day. Walking along Fangorn Forest and being discovered by the werewolf Taurmyrnoth was a great way to ruin their day.
In this episode, the party staggers into Lothlórien seeking the help of the "Lady of Light." There they discovered that Taradon had studied the works of Celebrimbor in years past, and that he had left his "key" behind.
Continuing the innuendo style player interview titles... Join us for this episode as we talk to Marco about his Dúnedain Wanderer.
The heroes finish up the fight at the Mirrormere with a little help from Ori and Balin. Burin gets to reconnect with his father, they learn a bit about galvorn, and the group plans to walk through Lothlórien.
The party heads from Mountain Hall to the Mirrormere, hearing that Balin had been seen heading that way. There they encounter a few Longbeards, Lóni and Nalí, who are also looking for Balin. An unpleasant surprise are the patrolling orcs, from Moria.
The party finishes the Yule celebration at Mountain Hall with the arm wrestling and dancing competitions. After, players discuss the next best possible course of action.
This was one of the most fun sessions to record and edit. The Mountain Hall Yuletide Drinking Contest. Don't count out the hobbit!
Our heroes are still at Mountain Hall celebrating Yule with the Woodmen. In this session, Burin cleans up at the Melee competition and is named Lord of the Vales.
Hartfast the Woodmen of Mountain Hall welcomes back Raiken and his brother for the Yule celebration. Raiken and his company compete in the archery and axe throwing competitions.
In this episode, we get to interview the man behind the character of Raiken. Josh talks to us about his inspiration for Raiken and how Tolkien influenced his life.
For Raiken and Angolan, this is the culmination of a lifetime of fear and intrigue about creatures of shadow, specifically one referred to as Morulunn. Raiken's brother is at a breaking point with his hysterical obedience to his dead father. And when the creature from Avathar decides to show up, all hell breaks loose.
Raiken's brother leads the party to where his "father" is being held prisoner. What they discover inside of the Old Well of Mirkwood is more disturbing than anything they have discovered so far on their quest. And it is about to get worse...
After Raiken's brother surprises the group in Mirkwood, he aids them in battling some eight legged monsters. After dispatching these beasts, Evoric claims he can lead his brother and the group to where their father lives. He mentions an old evil that has trapped him, and that reminds a few party members of a long remembered horror from their past.
The group begins their trek through Mirkwood on the Old Forest Road. There they encounter the last person in the world Raiken would expect to see.
Having rested at Erebor, the heroes set out through the Long Marshes. There they trudge southward toward their entry point in Mirkwood. Before they can enter the forest, however, bats from Dol Guldur intercept them.
This is another debrief session with the person who plays Angolan the elf. Christian joins the DM to discuss the quirky elf and previews the exciting things that await the players in Mirkwood.
The battle-weary heroes stumble into Erebor. There they meet a Blue Wizard. He has some bad news... They are being hunted by the great wolf- Taurmyrnoth. The group decides that they must take the retrieved Elendil Stone to the elves in Rivendell, or perhaps home to Lindon. But first they must make their way through Mirkwood, careful of the ancient evil that lays in parts of that forest.
In the middle of the battle with the Umbarian corsairs, a giant dragon swoops low and lands at the watchtower on Zirakinbar. The pirates had been banking on the dragon, named Raenar, to take them across the land to Mordor where they would deliver the Elendil stone unto the enemy. Raenar, as it turns out, has his own opinions on the matter.
The fellowship heads deep into the Withered Heath, where they finally corner the Umbarian corsairs at the watchtower of Zirakinbar. There they discover that the Umbarian leader is the sworn enemy of Feredir, the Dunedain. He is a Black Numenorean, a former King's Men of Numenor.
This week our heroes make their way from the River Greylin and into the Withered Heath. There they continue to track the Umbarian corsairs to the great Watch Tower on Zirakinbar. What they discover there is far beyond a handful of pirates...
That's right. This whole episode our heroes are trying to cross a river. But foul voices on the wind compel the water to turn against the fellowship. And crebain spies keep watch as the Umbarian corsairs march farther into the Withered Heath.
What better time to interview the player who plays our resident dwarf than after we have heard the party enter Durin's Fane. Learn more about Burin's origin session and the future of Balin's son.
In this episode, the group seeks shelter in the ancient Fane of Durin, a hidden temple to the first dwarf. Inside the temple they discover some finely crafted dwarves traps, and a stone so beautiful that only the Arkenstone can compare.
The crew tracks a pack of Umbarian corsairs through the misty mountains and into the Helegrod region, near Gundabad. There they meet a familiar pair of dwarves and find one of the artifacts from Taradon's Wager.
The fellowship trails the Umbarian thieves through Arador's End, the final resting place of both Aragorn's grandfather and Feredir's grandfather. There the group group encounters a hill troll and some Dourhand Dwarves.
Jared, the GM (Game Master), retroactively recaps the adventure to date and the structure of the campaign itself. He then introduces the footage of the players debriefing their experience traveling from Bree to the spurs of the Misty Mountains.
The crew finishes up the battle in Tol Ascarnen and rescues the captured Dunédain. They discover that the pirates have journeyed north through Arador's End with another of the artifacts from Taradon's Wager.
The fellowship heads north into Hithlad, up to a fortification called Tol Ascarnen. There they partake in a battle that the elves would later call "the Discovery of Wicked Secrets."
In this episode the characters set out east on the Great East Road, and travel north into the Ettenmoors. There they encounter the Hillmen of Creoth and learn more about them than they care to know.
Gildor Inglorion assembles the fellowship at the Prancing Pony. Meet the players and characters that will embark on this journey.