Wizards of Eem

Share the Story: Why Giving Up GM Control Makes Better Games | Wizards of Eem EP018

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440694/fan_mail/new] Have you ever felt like being the GM is just… overwhelming? All the prep, the improv, the pressure to be a perfect storyteller? In this episode of the Wizards of Eem Podcast, creators Ben Costa and James Parks tackle sharing narrative authority in tabletop RPGs — and why giving up a little control might be the best thing you ever do for your game. Instead of one storyteller and several participants, what if you had a table full of co-authors? That's the heart of this conversation. Ben and James break down how collaborative play is baked right into the Land of Eem RPG mechanics — from the D12 resolution system with results like "Success with a Twist" and "Failure with a Plus" to simple prompts that invite players to shape the world. What does this place smell like? What kind of twist just happened? Suddenly the whole table is building the story together in bite-sized pieces. They cover how shared narrative authority reduces GM burnout by turning the Game Master into a facilitator and fellow player rather than a one-person production crew. Players get real creative input — inventing locations, naming NPCs, describing consequences, adding complications — which means deeper investment, more memorable moments, and that electric feeling when nobody knows what's coming next. It's also a fantastic way for players to flex their GM muscles without needing full system mastery or hours of session prep. And for the skeptics? Ben and James are clear: this isn't about losing control or inviting chaos. It's about distributing creativity intentionally, with structure, clear prompts, and tools like "Yes, And" and "Yes, But" to keep things on track. You don't have to have all the answers — you just have to ask better questions. Whether you're a veteran GM battling burnout or a first-timer nervous about running your first Land of Eem session, this episode is packed with practical tips for a more collaborative, more fun tabletop RPG experience. 🎲 Get the Land of Eem RPG: Available now from Exalted Funeral, friendly local game stores, and online retailers worldwide. Download the free Quickstart Guide at landofeem.com and start playing today! Rollin' Down the Road is featured in the Rickety Stitch Book 2: The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks. The lyrics were written by Ben Costa and James Parks, and the song was written by musician Evin Wolverton. Thank you for listening to the Wizards of Eem Podcast! Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch] Visit us at: https://landofeem.com [https://landofeem.com] Support Us Free Land of Eem Quickstart Guide: https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/ [https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/] Land of Eem RPG: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem [https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem] Dungeoneer Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM] Rickety Stitch Comics: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection [https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection] Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch [https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch] Join Our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK [https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK] Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem [https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem]

Session Zero: Setting the Stage for Adventure | Wizards of Eem EP017

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440694/fan_mail/new] Before your first Land of Eem adventure begins, there’s one step that can make your tabletop RPG campaign smoother, more collaborative, and more fun: Session Zero. In this episode of the Wizards of Eem podcast, we explore how a thoughtful Session Zero helps groups align expectations, tone, and storytelling goals before the adventure begins. Session Zero is your campaign’s “pre-game.” It’s when players and GMs discuss table expectations, safety tools, and the overall vibe of the campaign. Taking time to set these foundations builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and sets the stage for a creative and collaborative game. In Land of Eem, where whimsy, hope, and clever problem-solving shine, starting on the same page makes the journey even better. We also cover character creation, including building characters together and shaping a balanced party so everyone has a chance to shine. Plus, we dive into the power of character relationships—shared histories, goals, and NPC connections that give the party instant chemistry and provide rich story hooks for the GM. From a GM perspective, these connections become powerful storytelling tools. Personal quests, shared motivations, and callbacks to character bonds help create adventures that feel collaborative and meaningful for the whole table. Learn more about safety tools mentioned in the episode:  https://ttrpgsafetytoolkit.com/ [https://ttrpgsafetytoolkit.com/] Want a quick How to Play Land of Eem overview? Watch Becca Scott at Good Time Society here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsaiQYWiXt0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsaiQYWiXt0] The Land of Eem tabletop RPG, created by Ben Costa and James Parks, is available now from Exalted Funeral, carried by many Friendly Local Game Stores (FLGS) and online retailers. Download the free Quickstart Guide and learn more at: https://www.landofeem.com [https://www.landofeem.com] Rollin' Down the Road is featured in the Rickety Stitch Book 2: The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks. The lyrics were written by Ben Costa and James Parks, and the song was written by musician Evin Wolverton. Thank you for listening to the Wizards of Eem Podcast! Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch] Visit us at: https://landofeem.com [https://landofeem.com] Support Us Free Land of Eem Quickstart Guide: https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/ [https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/] Land of Eem RPG: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem [https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem] Dungeoneer Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM] Rickety Stitch Comics: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection [https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection] Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch [https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch] Join Our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK [https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK] Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem [https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem]

How to Market Your TTRPG: Tips for Indie Game Creators | Wizards of Eem Podcast EP016

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440694/fan_mail/new] You made the game. That wild, wonderful TTRPG idea is real now—but how do you get people to notice it? On today’s Wizards of Eem Podcast, we dive into practical, approachable marketing advice to help indie creators take their tabletop RPG public without losing their soul (or their sanity). In this episode, we use Land of Eem as a case study to explore how to clearly describe your game in a way that resonates. We talk about why leading with tone, feel, and identity matters more than rules, and how a strong tagline—like “The Muppets meets The Lord of the Rings”—can instantly communicate who your game is for. Land of Eem is colorful, whimsical, and cartoony, but also perilous, epic, and designed as an all-ages fantasy RPG that doesn’t shy away from real stakes. We also break down the importance of open beta playtesting to build interest early, establish credibility on platforms like DriveThruRPG, and grow a following before launch. From there, we discuss why investing in great art is never optional (yes, books are judged by their covers), how crowdfunding campaigns double as powerful marketing tools, and why building a focused, engaged community—through Discord, email lists, and social media—is the real long game. Whether you’re designing your first indie TTRPG or refining your marketing strategy, this episode is packed with grounded advice from creators who’ve been there. Land of Eem, created by Ben Costa and James Parks, is available now from Exalted Funeral, carried by Friendly Local Game Stores and online retailers, and supported by a free Quickstart Guide at www.landofeem.com [http://www.landofeem.com] . Rollin' Down the Road is featured in the Rickety Stitch Book 2: The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks. The lyrics were written by Ben Costa and James Parks, and the song was written by musician Evin Wolverton. Thank you for listening to the Wizards of Eem Podcast! Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch] Visit us at: https://landofeem.com [https://landofeem.com] Support Us Free Land of Eem Quickstart Guide: https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/ [https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/] Land of Eem RPG: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem [https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem] Dungeoneer Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM] Rickety Stitch Comics: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection [https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection] Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch [https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch] Join Our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK [https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK] Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem [https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem]

Inspirations Behind Land of Eem: Our Appendix N | Wizards of Eem EP015

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440694/fan_mail/new] What inspired the whimsical yet epic world of Land of Eem? In this episode of the Wizards of Eem Podcast, creators Ben Costa and James Parks pull back the curtain on the books, movies, comics, and shows that shaped the heart and humor of this one-of-a-kind fantasy RPG. Think of it as our very own Appendix N—a creative roadmap in the spirit of Gary Gygax’s legendary list from the Dungeon Master’s Guide. We explore how The Muppets, Fraggle Rock, and Labyrinth brought warmth, hope, and heartfelt silliness to Land of Eem’s tone. Then we dive into the “Worlds in Peril” that added grit and grandeur—Mad Max, RoboCop, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Gotrek & Felix. From there, we celebrate the heroes, antiheroes, and lovable weirdos who defined the game’s storytelling DNA: Conan the Barbarian, Usagi Yojimbo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hellboy, Ghostbusters, and Bone. We also talk shop about the games that influenced our design philosophy—AD&D 2E, Star Wars RPG, Dungeon World, World of Warcraft, and Diablo II—and how they shaped Land of Eem’s blend of story, travel, and treasure. By the end, you’ll see how whimsy, sincerity, and epic stakes collide to make Land of Eem what it is: a world of adventure, friendship, and heartfelt absurdity. Visit www.landofeem.com [http://www.landofeem.com] to download the FREE Quickstart Guide, or grab the full Land of Eem RPG from Exalted Funeral, your local game store, or your favorite online retailer. Join our Discord community, subscribe, and leave a review if you love tabletop RPG podcasts that mix comedy, creativity, and wonder. Rollin' Down the Road is featured in the Rickety Stitch Book 2: The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks. The lyrics were written by Ben Costa and James Parks, and the song was written by musician Evin Wolverton. Thank you for listening to the Wizards of Eem Podcast! Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch] Visit us at: https://landofeem.com [https://landofeem.com] Support Us Free Land of Eem Quickstart Guide: https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/ [https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/] Land of Eem RPG: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem [https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem] Dungeoneer Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM] Rickety Stitch Comics: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection [https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection] Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch [https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch] Join Our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK [https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK] Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem [https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem]

Factions: The #1 Trick to Raising Stakes in Your TTRPG | Wizards of Eem Podcast EP014

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440694/fan_mail/new] Have you ever wondered why some tabletop RPG campaigns feel vibrant, dramatic, and full of intrigue—while others fall flat? In this episode of the Wizards of Eem Podcast, we’re diving deep into the power of factions and why they’re the ultimate tool for raising the stakes in your TTRPG. Factions aren’t just background flavor—they’re story engines. By introducing groups with clear goals, allies, and enemies, you can instantly transform your campaign into a world teeming with drama and consequence. We’ll break down how factions deepen worldbuilding, raise tension, and create unforgettable roleplay moments as players navigate shifting loyalties, rivalries, and alliances. From friends who provide resources and quests, to foes who raise the tension every session, to intriguing neutral parties with hidden agendas, factions keep the story alive both on and off the table. We’ll share tips on how to build meaningful factions, tie them to character backstories, and let them evolve in ways that reshape the world. Plus, we’ll look at fun examples from Land of Eem, as well as general TTRPGs like noble houses, rebel armies, and secret cults. Whether you’re a GM seeking to engage your players or a storyteller looking for fresh inspiration, this episode will give you everything you need to make your campaign world feel alive. 👉 Want to learn more about the whimsical fantasy RPG Land of Eem? Visit www.landofeem.com [http://www.landofeem.com] for the free Quickstart Guide, or grab the full game at Exalted Funeral and at Friendly Local Game Stores everywhere. Created by Ben Costa and James Parks, Land of Eem is a lighthearted, family-friendly TTRPG full of adventure and heart. If you love the show, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the Wizards of Eem Podcast! Rollin' Down the Road is featured in the Rickety Stitch Book 2: The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks. The lyrics were written by Ben Costa and James Parks, and the song was written by musician Evin Wolverton. Thank you for listening to the Wizards of Eem Podcast! Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch] Visit us at: https://landofeem.com [https://landofeem.com] Support Us Free Land of Eem Quickstart Guide: https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/ [https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/] Land of Eem RPG: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem [https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem] Dungeoneer Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM] Rickety Stitch Comics: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection [https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection] Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch [https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch] Join Our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK [https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK] Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem [https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem]