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Lore Watch Podcast

Lore Watch Podcast

436 episodes — Page 2 of 9

Ep 380What K’aresh might have to show us about the coming Midnight

While we’re all excited about the new trailer for Midnight from gamescom, Matt and Joe took this opportunity to discuss what narrative threads we may see in Midnight as a whole. They recap some of our adventures on K’aresh, discuss the order of what might be coming, plus what the nature of the energy-based Ethereals have to do with Azeroth. It’s a multi-faceted lore deep dive on the story up to now, and some conjecture as to what we may see in the future as a result.And we’d just like to disclaim that Matt and Joe recorded this on August 18, with absolutely no knowledge from the gamescom trailer. Just a lot of lore in their heads.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 19, 20251h 3m

Ep 379Jurassic World, and all the dinosaurs InGen made up along the way

This week's Lore Watch Podcast is just as majestic as the last, with even more discussion of the lore of Jurassic Park. This time, Joe, Matt, and special guest Eric O'Dea discuss the second set of Jurassic media, starting with Jurassic World. They give a rundown of the plots of the newer movies, then move into analysis. While scientific hubris clearly has its role to play, perhaps the true villain here is capitalism. But whatever the allegory or moral, I think we can all agree that dinosaurs are cool -- especially the ones InGen (or now, Masrani Global) made up along the way.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 13, 202556 min

Ep 378Welcome to Jurassic Park: how it kicked off a cultural phenomenon

This week, Matt, Joe, and special guest Eric O'Dea dove into one of the most influential series for the 90s kids in the audience: Jurassic Park. From Michael Crichton's groundbreaking novels to the movies, dinosaurs were inescapable -- pun intended. Our hosts discuss the first few works in the series, how the books and movies differed, and just how wrong the science was. Jurassic Park influenced a generation of kids to be really into that dino DNA and spawned a ton of our favorite memes.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 6, 20251h 2m

Ep 377Answering listener questions from around the World of Warcraft

This week's Lore Watch Podcast featured three different listener questions, answered by our intrepid hosts Matt and Joe. First, they delved into some pop culture references in WoW, specifically focusing on Final Fantasy (or possibly He-Man). The second question talks Quilboar and the Scourge -- what did the Scourge get out of working with the Quilboar anyway? Finally, we go cosmic with a question about the Titans, and what force the baby Titan Azeroth might control when she grows up.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 30, 20251h 4m

Ep 376Void Demon Hunters and other magical mixups

This week's podcast features three different reader questions shoved into one podcast trenchcoat. First up, would it be possible to see a Void version of Demon Hunters, considering what we know now about Void as a magic source? Which of course, raises the question of, say, Light Demon Hunters or Arcane Demon Hunters. Then, we try to shove magic sources together, like Deathwing's Shadowflame (and why does this always seem to be a villainous move?). Lastly, game mechanics: do we like it when they're also a narrative device, like book characters popping a hearthstone, or does it break us out of the immersion of the story?Note: there are spoilers for the upcoming storyline involving Xal'atath in patch 11.2.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 23, 202559 min

Ep 375Storytelling in TTRPGs

Our hosts Joe and Matt were joined by frequent guest and DM for our Tavern Watch podcast, Phil Ulrich. Together they explored the storytelling aspect of TTRPGs. While they do enjoy the aspect of "math rocks go brrrr" TTRPGs bring to the table, the ability to tell a story collaboratively makes it more appealing to them than a typical game like Catan or Monopoly, though certainly both those games have their own stories to tell. We recount some of our favorite story beats from our own gameplay over the years, and discuss what using different systems like Daggerheart versus Pathfinder can lend to an epic adventure -- and an epic story.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 16, 20251h 6m

Ep 374Fragments of worlds and world souls

Two listener questions form bookends to an overarching concept this week on the Lore Watch Podcast. First, what is happening to Outland as it is now, 20 years after we visited? Is it still crumbling as it was, and what is becoming of the people and creatures still living there? Then, continuing on the theme, the next question asks, what if Azeroth's fate -- after burrowing Old Gods and Titan stabbing and 20 years of varied psychic abuse -- is already sealed, and our planet is doomed to crumble as well?It's a very optimistic, cheerful episode of Lore Watch this week. We hope you enjoy it?If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 9, 202559 min

Ep 373From class fantasy to (redacted) fantasy, we answer your gaming questions

This week's episode covers a lot of ground, because we're answering your burning listener questions (but you should still see a doctor). One involves modding and romance options in games like Fallout 4 or Cyberpunk 2077. The next question is all about class fantasy in WoW, and which our hosts think is defined the best. The final question is about the upcoming Legion Remix: what are our hosts looking forward to the most on the revisit? And what do they think might change, or be added. After all, we've done this all before.And, as per usual on Lore Watch, the questions are really just the beginning.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 2, 20251h 1m

Ep 372Who are the Lorewalkers (and why do they know so much)?

With the new Lorewalking feature, it has some of us curious about the Lorewalkers. What is their history in the game, and why exactly do they know so much? A listener asked us just that -- somewhat suspiciously. As Matt and Joe discuss the Lorewalkers, it is evident that many are not your average NPC, empowered with longevity, or great memory. The path leads us to the Time Walkers and the dragonflights, and whether any of them can be trusted to tell the truth.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 25, 202556 min

Ep 371Faerin Lothar and the Arathi legacy

This week Lore Watch takes a deep dive into the character of Faerin Lothar, based on the recent short story "Faith and Flame," as well as the release of patch 11.1.7, which sends us questing back into the Arathi Highlands. Faerin's story is inextricably tied to the Arathi race as a whole, but also unique to her -- noble or no, not many seven year olds are going to stow away on a ship to join the Hallowfall Expedition. Join Matt and Joe as they recount the ancient history of the Arathi, all the way into what you need to know as we embark on the latest chapter of WoW, the Arathi Campaign.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 18, 20251h 1m

Ep 370Our Lorewalking wish list

The new Lorewalking feature in World of Warcraft is one we can use to explore more moments from the game we haven't seen, or explore the ones we have seen more in-depth. A listener wrote in and asked Matt and Joe which other points of lore they'd like to see show up in Lorewalking later, so of course, the entire hour is devoted to answering that question. From the huge, earth-shaking moments involving the Titans, to the old events leading to the current ones with the lineage of humans, all the way to long-forgotten quests, there are a lot of story beats they'd love to experience from a new angle.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 11, 20251h 2m

Ep 369Lorewalking: what to expect from this upcoming feature

Who would have thought that the hosts of the Lore Watch Podcast would be excited to talk about the new Lorewalking feature coming to World of Warcraft? The episode goes through the scenarios in detail, so if you'd prefer to have your Lorewalking experience as unspoiled as your own recollection of past events, note that they discuss everything about them at length. Part of that discussion also includes the implications of why we might be visiting these particular points in the lore -- Arthas, the Ethereals, and Xal'atath's backstory -- as we chase Xal'atath to the end of this narrative arc's conclusion.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 4, 20251h 9m

Ep 368The War Within: The story so far

If in between hauling Brann's sorry carcass through another delve and racing around in your car in Undermine you haven't been paying close attention to the story of The War Within, we've got your back. Starting from the pre-patch and the radiant song, Matt and Joe recap the events of the expansion so far. There will be spoilers up through the end of the Undermine raid, so be wary. And of course, it just wouldn't be a Lore Watch Podcast if there wasn't a bit of heavy speculation as to where the story might be going next.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 28, 20251h 0m

Ep 367How we'd make Azeroth into a D&D campaign

This week's Lore Watch is based on a listener question, which mashes together two of Joe and Matt's favorite topics: Azeroth and Dungeons and Dragons. Specifically, this episode goes through doing just that: how they would play their way through a World of Warcraft-themed D&D campaign. They discuss their picks for the best tabletop system to play their way through a potential Azeroth-themed adventure, and then dive deep to discuss which small corner of Azeroth's history -- from setting to characters -- they'd like to experience in tabletop form.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 21, 20251h 2m

Ep 366The evolution of Dragons (and other fantasy creatures)

On this week's Lore Watch Podcast, Joe and Matt are joined again by our writer Eric O'Dea, and they continue to explore how the telling and re-telling of stories about creatures in folklore has evolved into the creatures we now know in some of our favorite media. This week they start the discussions with dragons and all their forms -- sapient, verbal, Dungeons and -- and how Dragons tend to affect the retellings of other creatures, too.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 14, 20251h 1m

Ep 365Kobolds and the real life origins of in-game creatures

While they are unassuming little creatures, their presence in fantasy lore ranges all the way from traditional folklore all the way into modern day Dungeons and Dragons and World of Warcraft. With the help of staff writer Eric O'Dea, Joe and Matt delve deep to discuss the history of these little critters, from their origins as sprites or brownies or the fae all the way up to "you no take candle." They also discuss the evolution of creatures in general, like vampires, and how they are imagined in different ways in different cultures, and how they shift in pop culture media.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 7, 202556 min

Ep 364Gallywix is only mostly dead, and other listener questions

This week, Joe and Matt take to the mailbag to answer your questions, which are as varied as you are. First, since WoW has a tendency to bring back characters from the dead, and we just quote-unquote "killed" Gallywix, do we think he's actually dead, or will he be back? Then, in harkening back to a past episode, the connection between the Arathi and the Nerubians -- and whether the Nazrethim is what is keeping them in balance.Also, we discuss Galactus and his place in the Marvel universe. As I recall it's mostly "eating it," but Joe and Matt have a lot to say on the topic.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 20251h 1m

Ep 363Xal'atath, the Void, and the dawn of Azeroth's creation

This week's episode was inspired by a question from a listener, about where the story is going from here as we make our way toward the next expansion of World of Warcraft, Midnight. We veer right into Tinfoil Hat territory pretty quickly. After all, it's tough when a lot of the sources we have are either written by unreliable narrators, or were written well before any of current events were even thought of -- which is part of the question itself. The Titans, the First Ones, and how they interact with the Void is a topic with a lot of intricacies and ground to cover, so Matt and Joe will do their best to navigate all this treacherous ground.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 202554 min

Ep 362Cyberpunk Edgerunners explores a crumbling dystopia

The Netflix animated show Cyberpunk Edgerunners is a great entry in the Cyberpunk universe, and one we felt worth exploring in-depth. Joe and Matt give us a spoiler-filled tour of Night City and how all the details of life in that universe lead to a dystopia packed with despair. This is an episode from the archives, so it's one we felt we should bring back to the front in case you missed it.Content Warning: both the podcast and the show we're discussing involve violence, bodily harm, mental health, and drug use.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 9, 20251h 16m

Ep 361Crucial Source Material

While we do enjoy going off on wild tangents or thinking about "what if," sometimes it's important to just go back to the crucial source material. The specific writing in-game can not only work to create a vibrant world, but with careful study, can inform the overall trajectory of what you can expect to come. WoW is no different, so today we're taking a look at a set of perhaps overlooked, but no less beloved, sets of writing from the game. We hope you enjoy.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free!If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 1, 202543 min

Ep 360Can you play Hearthstone in the Emerald Dream, and other questions

This week's Lore Watch Podcast is Q&A style, so the topics veer all over the place -- more so than usual. We start off with a question about the Emerald Dream and whether it was designed as a prison -- timely, given Hearthstone's latest expansion releasing yesterday. Speaking of Hearthstone, the next question concerns in-game board games, and what kind of play happens on Azeroth. Then, they follow it up with a question about the Botani and other NPCs potentially coming to Azeroth from different planes and timelines. Seems like a good way to get new games, but then I usually just look through Steam. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free!If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 20251h 1m

Ep 359On the origins of the Sethrak

Join our hosts Joe Perez and Matt Rossi as they discuss the lore around the Sethrak, the snakelike humanoids we initially met in Vol'dun in Battle for Azeroth. How does their worship of the animalistic Loa spirits shape their society? Titans may tie in to the animalistic loa, and the two working together may have shaped Azeroth as we know it. Plus, they discuss the evolution of species in the context of a magical world: when is a dragonfrog a froglike dragon and when is it dragonlike, but a frog?This week's Lore Watch Podcast is a Sethrakstravaganza.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free!If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 202556 min

Ep 358Could the Sunwell become a Voidwell? (And other wild Warcraft speculation)

This week we put on the tinfoil hat to contemplate Xal'atath's plans for the future, the nature of the void, and where we might be going in the Midnight expansion due out in 2026. As with most of our wild speculation episodes, the conversation goes off the rails and then forgets there were ever rails in the first place. Enjoy!If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free!If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 20251h 2m

Ep 357What you need to know about Paladins, Templars, and Crusaders in Diablo

We're doing something a little new this week for Lore Watch, with a remaster of an older episode. As Joe explains in the new intro, we wanted to highlight something that we've already covered, but which could use another look as it becomes relevant again. Paladins or Crusaders are one of the most common fan picks for the second new class to come to Diablo 4, so we're revisiting the lore that makes them so popular.In this episode, Joe and Matt give us a primer on the in-game religions that Crusaders, Templars, and Paladins are holy warriors for -- and why they declined in power after each expansion where they were featured. They are fascinating to explore, being holy warriors in a game so consumed in every way by evil. Join us as we go through the ages, from Akarat's visions all the way up through the information we get from Deckard Cain.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 5, 20251h 0m

Ep 356Suffer well: the lore of Death Knights in World of Warcraft

Death Knights, one of the most iconic, lore-heavy classes added to World of Warcraft, are the core topic of this week's Lore Watch, this time with a focus on what dead means, really. Join Joe and Matt as they discuss the other types of undead we know, and how their existence shapes current Death Knights. The concept of Death Knights, and death in general started a long time ago in WoW's history, so there's a lot of ground to cover.How were they made? Are they fully dead, or partly alive? How will they make new Death Knights since Sylvanas destroyed the Helm of Domination? And do they literally have to "suffer well?" All addressed in this week's Lore Watch.Thanks to our supporter Tetsemi for the question.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 26, 202552 min

Ep 355Alliance vs Horde: can we just get along?

In this week's show, Matt and Joe discuss the conflict between Alliance and Horde -- and more importantly, the lack of conflict some characters may feel when they're just out there adventuring. Even if their factions are opposed, we've had a ton of time collaborating and helping each other out on a personal level. Could a third, neutral faction be possible, and if so, what would it look like? Then, they deep dive on the question of the relationship between the various opposing forces controlling the WoW universe. Which are completely opposing forces, and which transition from one to the other easily? Would it be possible, for instance, for N'Zoth to become Holy, like we've seen with the Naaru?If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 19, 20251h 0m

Ep 354Why World of Warcraft's Odyn is both a Titan and a titanic jerk

This week's Lore Watch Podcast is a Q & A, but sometimes those questions can give us a chance to go off on a topic we love to discuss. For instance, why Odyn in World of Warcraft is just the worst. Maybe not the absolute worst given what horrors the setting has to offer, but he's certainly getting coal from Greatfather Winter next December. Matt and Joe lay out the reasons why he's a huge J-E-R-K, going back to Azeroth's creation.Then, speaking of Grandfather Winter, if he were suddenly unavailable for Winter Veil Eve, who would take up the mantle? Perhaps Santa Clause-style?If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 5, 202555 min

Ep 353Why don't the people of Sanctuary ever learn from their past?

This week Matt and Joe discuss how history seems to keep repeating itself in Diablo's Sanctuary. (Spoiler: it's because everyone keeps dying.) Plus pointy ears for Humans in WoW aren't just about fashion, darling, because the new Arathi-style ear customization has a lot of lore implications... and then we somehow segued into Star Trek and divergent evolution. That's Lore Watch for you.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 202555 min

Ep 352The lore and history of the goblins in WoW

In preparation for the upcoming WoW patch 11.1 featuring the goblin capital The Undermine, we dive into the evolution of the goblins throughout the history of Azeroth, the difference between the various cartels, and the transition of leadership from the exploitive Gallywix to the more ethical Gazlowe.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 22, 202556 min

Ep 351Could Elune and Xal’atath be linked?

Join us as speculate on a possible connection between Elune and Xal’atath as well as Elune's dual nature and her ties to cosmic forces like the Naaru and the Winter Queen.We also dive into the concept of godhood and if the Titans are actually gods imbued with divine power or just three kobolds in a trench coat using a really good voice changer.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 15, 202556 min

Ep 350The reimagining of the Diablo franchise

Join us as we discuss an alternate universe for the Diablo franchise where Prince Aidan never embedded the soul stone into his head to become the vessel for Diablo at the end of the first game. How would the lack of this pivotal moment radically alter the events of Diablo II, III, and IV? The discussion delves into alternate outcomes for Sanctuary, the Worldstone, and humanity, while speculating on the role of angels, demons, and the spirit realm in this strange new, yet still terrifying world. It is Diablo after all. It’s not all gonna be happy cow level rainbow times no matter the butterfly effect.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 1, 202556 min

Ep 349Potential new class hall locations post-Dalaran

Join us as we discuss where new class halls could be given some iconic ones were destroyed when Dalaran fell from the sky. Also, more exploration of the true nature of Beledar, the crystal that lights The Hallows. Spoiler: It all ties into the Titans, because of course it does.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 18, 202457 min

Ep 348Malfurion, the Emerald Nightmare, and Azeroth’s forgotten history

Join us as we discuss the lore questions tied to the official Warcraft novel, “Stormrage”. We delve into Malfurion’s vision of Azeroth and the corrupting influence of Xavius as well as speculation about Azeroth’s sentience, its selective amnesia due to the Emerald Nightmare attacks, and Malfurion’s connection to it all.Bonus: No one repeatedly yelling TYRAAAAAAANDUH! Maybe.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 11, 20241h 0m

Ep 347A deep dive into the story and choices in Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Join us as we discuss Dragon Age: The Veilguard, exploring the significance of gods, spirits, and corruption in the world of Thedas, the protagonist’s role in the narrative, and the Big Story Choice that must be made early on. And, of course, the companions. You know, the real reason we’re playing.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 4, 20241h 8m

Ep 346What’s up with that giant glowing crystal in The War Within?

Join us as we discuss how Beledar, the immense crystal lodged in the cavern ceiling of the Hallowfall zone, could be connected to Naaru ships, Titan technology, world-soul constructs, elemental magics, stormrook gryphons, Xal'atath, and pumpkin pie. Ok, I may be making that last one up. Maybe.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 27, 20241h 3m

Ep 345Will the Light bring together Anduin Wrynn and Faerin Lothar?

Matt and Joe explore the possibility that Faerin Lothar of Hallowfell is being set up as a love interest for Anduin, the questionable motivations of the High Heavens and Burning Hells post-Diablo 3, and the parallels between the way the Diablo and WoW franchises approach storytelling.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 20241h 1m

Ep 344What is the nature of the Light?

Matt and Joe debate the philosophical implications of how the Light affects free will, its relation to the Void, and its influence on prominent lore characters like Anduin Wrynn.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 14, 20241h 0m

Ep 343A Dragon Age Origins story overview

We conclude our Dragon Age lore series with the game that started it all: Dragon Age: Origins. This episode delves into the morally complex world of Thedas, the struggles of the Grey Wardens, and the foundation of the Blight plus other key elements introduced in this title and further developed in the sequels. As usual, more spoilers than Morrigan has witty retorts.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 6, 20241h 29m

Ep 342A Dragon Age 2 story overview

Matt and Joe are joined by Liz as they dive into what you need to know about the Dragon Age 2 storyline to prepare you for this week's launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. They cover the major events and characters of the title as well as the themes of power, agency, and moral ambiguity the game explores. And, of course, the introduction of everyone’s favorite spicy novel writing scoundrel and hilariously unreliable narrator, Varric Tethras. As usual, spoilers abound.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 30, 20241h 18m

Ep 341Where can the Diablo 4 story go next?

Matt and Joe are joined by Liz as they wrap up their discussion of the events in Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred. They cover how the final confrontation of the campaign sets up the next chapter in the game’s story, the larger motivations of Mephisto, and the influence of corporate monetization strategies on the depth of storytelling.Also, multitasking with your mouth. No, really, it makes sense when you hear it. I hope. As usual, spoilers abound.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 23, 20241h 12m

Ep 340Exploring the story campaign of Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion

Matt and Joe delve into the narrative, characters, and villains from the latest Diablo 4 expansion, Vessel of Hatred. They cover everything from Neyrelle’s continued story arc to the spiritborn’s connection to the spirit realm to the most memorable moments in the game. And, most importantly, how the appearance of a certain spirit was absolutely, totally not inspired by C. S. Lewis. Not one bit. /riversongvoice Spoilers, darling. /riversongvoiceIf you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 16, 20241h 1m

Ep 339A Dragon Age: Inquisition story overview

Matt, Joe, and Liz cover everything you need to know about the lore of Dragon Age: Inquisition in preparation for the upcoming release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. They cover topics ranging from the main Inquisitor storyline to the history of the elves to the deceitful companionship of trickster god himself, the Dread Wolf. Spoilers abound if you haven’t played the Dragon Age titles. Also, what’s wrong with you? Go play the Dragon Age titles!If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 9, 202456 min

Ep 338What is the true nature of Old God-created races?

Join Matt and Joe as they explore how the plight of the Nerubians of Azj-Kahet may provide insight into other groups corrupted by the Old Gods, more potential underground regions that could be explored in Azeroth, the history and destruction of Dalaran, and the burning question keeping us up at night: Why don’t the Earthen have Scottish accents?If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 202456 min

Ep 337Are the Titans responsible for Xal’atath?

Join Matt and Joe as they explore the theory that Xal’atath may have began as a Titan construct, the surprisingly inclusive beginnings of the Scarlet Crusade, and the recent influence of the most terrible, evil, and loathsome Old God of them all, daily grinds— uh, Y’Shaarj.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 25, 202455 min

Ep 336A timeline of the Arathi people

Join Matt and Joe as they untangle the history and origin of the Arathi from their establishment of the Seven Kingdoms to their alliance with the high elves to their war against the trolls. Plus an overview of which faction in WoW canonically beat major dungeons and raids in the game and how the unholy mixture of void magic and old god corruption pushed forward the monstrous evolution of the Nerubians. Because spider people weren’t disturbing enough already, apparently.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 18, 202457 min

Ep 18Tavern Watch Podcast: Diving deeper into the D&D 2024 Player’s Handbook

In this episode, we are joined by Phil “The goblin with the dumb name that you all love” Ulrich as we go in-depth on the good, the bad, and the ugly of the new Player’s Handbook. Also the trend of more open development by TTRPG game designers, what upcoming games we are looking forward to playing, and what we want from Wizards of the Coast’s upcoming virtual tabletop, Project Sigil.Tavern Watch is our podcast devoted to tabletop roleplaying games brought to you by the people behind the Blizzard Watch and Lore Watch podcasts.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 16, 20241h 26m

Ep 335The recurring themes of echoes and memories in The War Within

Join Matt and Joe as they explore the repeated use of echoes and memories through the storyline of the current expansion leading to a discussion about the cyclical nature of WoW’s storytelling as well as the subversion of tropes in recent narratives in the game. (Spoilers for the War Within main campaign.) Also, the origins of Moonkins and murlocs as well as the whereabouts of the third Windrunner sister, Vareesa.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 11, 202459 min

Ep 334Deep delving into the Arathi Empire

Join Matt and Joe as they explore the history and culture of the Arathi Empire, speculating on its transformation from a human-led nation into a society of mixed human and elven heritage. Tin foil hatting ensues about the empire's leadership, the role of prophetic visions from the Sacred Flame, and their zone in the new expansion, Hallowfall. And this leads to a discussion of the role of the Titans in all of this. Because of course it does.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 4, 202458 min

Ep 333Our first impressions of The War Within

Matt, Joe, and Liz have been playing through early access of The War Within and have tHOuGhTz & oPiNioNz on the new lore info in the expansion. Topics include the extra depth we're getting on the lead lore characters and themes of mental health throughout the game as well as how you can see the Earthen's Titan roots throughout their story, the environmental storytelling in the game and through its side-quests. Minor spoilers throughout.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 28, 20241h 4m

Ep 332How will the World Soul Saga address WoW’s long running storylines?

Join us as we explore what we know so far about The War Within storyline to tin foil hat our way through implications for WoW’s larger narrative. Like we do.If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon, where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 21, 202454 min