Lorebeards

After FAR too long, the time has finally come to introduce the Lorebeards Bookclub! This first episode serves as an introduction to what Vera and Lindsay will be doing. Introducing the concept and structure of how the bookclub will function along with revealing what the first ever Book Club shall be about!

A time of great suffering, glory, and potential is surging as the newest Total War Warhammer 3 DLC crests the horizon! Tides of Torment, featuring several new goodies for Slaanesh, Norsca, and the High Elves is rapidly approaching. Dechala the Denied One slithers her way across Southern Cathay to corrupt any that witness her decadence. Meanwhile to the far north, across the Great Bastion, Sayl the Faithless gathers the Tribes of Chaos in preparation to unleash his treacherous schemes and sorcery. Finally out at sea near the Eastern Isles, the forces of Order rally behind the pragmatic yet cruel efficiency of Sea Lord Aislinn and his unrivaled fleets. Join Ryan and Andy as they delve into all the juicy new lore presented by Tides of Torment!

In the grimdark setting of the 41st Millennium, there are countless horrors both Xenos and Manmade to be found across the Galaxy. While star systems burn and the legions of Chaos attempt to bring all to ruin, there are those forces that cling on to crumbling remnants of the Imperium of Mankind. Of those, there are none more legendary, and perhaps infamous, than the Emperor's Angels. The iconic and triumphant Space Marines. But just what are these mutant super soldiers? Do they still hold on to their humanity? Join Ross and Alexis as they plummet down in a drop pod to discover the truth!

The Lorebeards have created a number of troubling figures, from Everchosens of Chaos to mighty Wind Gods of the Eastern Steppes. Yet the masses cry out for another creation stream to land among them, and who are Ryan and Andy to deny them? Get out your shovels and summon legions of thralls, for on this ill-fated night the Lorebeards shall be crafting a custom Vampire Lord with YOUR involvement!

There are many potential futures that could have seized the 40k universe, as between the various plans of Chaos, Humanity, and the Xenos there are infinite possibilities. At the end of the age known as the Horus Heresy, for instance, the Emperor of Mankind narrowly succeeded in slaying his traitorous son, but paid for this pyrrhic victory by having his mangled body eternally imprisoned upon the Golden Throne of Terra. Yet throughout the twisting ways of the Empyrean...what if things had occurred differently? What if, at some point throughout the messy ages of Mankind, the Emperor had died? Join Ross & Alexis as they delve into this potential reality and what the ramifications may have been!

It's finally here! After two years of Lorebeards, everyone's favorite Warhammer Lore podcast has evolved into a full on company and as part of that evolution two new hosts have spawned from the Aethyr, or should we say...the Warp? That's right! The new Lorebeards show features legendary writer/game designer Ross Watson and iconic cosplayer/tabletop champion Norn Queen Alexis! Join them both as they take you on a fresh journey into the 41st Millennium. Buckle up and prepare for the Grimdark future to arrive on your doorstep!

Within the Warhammer world there are many notable holidays, special eves, and days of remembrance that mark the calendars of the various cultures. But there's ONE night that stands above all others in importance, for it is the night that every civilized people prepare for horror and death. The legions of the Undead rise from their graves with ease, daemons tear through the thinning veil keeping them out of reality, and magic floods the world to fuel dark rituals. Known as the Night of Mystery, or Geheimnisnacht, it is truly the most dangerous time of the year. Join Ryan & Andy as they prepare you to brave the weirdly green moonlight of Morrslieb and how to survive the eldritch evening.

Amidst lots of stuff, shenanigans, and scheduling madness it's another one of those days that ole Ryan, or Sotek as he's often called, has found himself standing around all confused and wondering where Andy's at. In any event, he'll be answering all the questions he can that people in the audience have about Warhammer Fantasy! So let's get to it.

In the Warhammer World there are many threats to be found lurking in the shadows of outside the walls of civilization. But what of those enemies that are found within, instead of without? When the forces of Chaos, Undeath, and other unsavory things come whispering into the minds of the corrupt and desperate, the Witch Hunters are those who answer. Contrary to popular belief, the Witch Hunters are not just Sigmarites, but can actually come from any faith found across the Old World and even further beyond. So put on your trademarked wide-brimmed hat, grab a staggering number of pistols, and join Andy & Ryan as they purge Heretics in the quest for answers!

For WHATEVER reason, that scaly guy Ryan wasn't able to be found in time for this episode of Lorebeards, something to do with a rat named squeak? Peek? In any event, Andy Law steps up to the plate on his own to fill in and answer ANYTHING you'd like to ask!

Join the Lorebeards for a rather unique episode as they open the floor to YOU! The Loreseekers have been given the microphone and it'll be quite interesting to see what Ryan and Andy think of their personal hot takes and headcanons!

While from the outside, Bretonnia appears to be an incredibly gorgeous and pure realm of goodness and chivalrous, the truth is far more complex. Like any nation of Men, the people of fair Bretonnia suffer from the wanton cruelty of the merciless rich that treat their fellow man worse than filthy beasts. Knights and Lords that swore sacred vows to protect the innocent instead brutalize and take without a second thought. Yet rumors swirl about a mysterious bandit that traverses the forests and valleys of Bretonnia, a cloaked man that robs the rich and gives to the poor. Bertrand the Brigand and his Merry Men, the Herrimaults, stealthily venture the deep woods and take the fight to Greenskins, Beastmen, and most importantly those knights who have turned their backs on goodness. At least, that's the legend. Join Andy and Ryan as they surrender themselves to the supposedly noble men of the woods to learn the truth.

The nation of Bretonnia is one of the grandest kingdoms of Men found within the Old World. A noble land well known for its breathtaking ethereal beauty and armies of chivalrous knights. Yet their land does not belong to the mundane laws of Men, but instead to a higher power. Standing above all is none other than the Lady of the Lake, who in turn is represented by the mysterious sorceress known as the Fay Enchantress. Morgiana le Fay, as she is called in modern times, is the ultimate authority within Bretonnia and its most powerful wizard. Yet much about her is a mystery, from what she does with the witchling children that she takes from their families to what precisely her purpose is for the Lady's people. It's remained a constant debate whether or not she's even human, or perhaps one of the so-called Fay, also known to the wider world as Elves. Join Andy and Ryan as they venture into the sacred mists of the Lady in hopes of discovering the truth...

The Lorebeards podcast has been cooking along for a hot while now! Long enough that it's high time for Andy and Ryan to kick up their feet and reminisce on ages past with an episode dedicated purely to addressing past discussions (and controversies) while answering any and all questions that people are inclined to ask. With a dramatic change coming up of Lorebeards evolving into Lorebeards LTD, let's celebrate all that came before!

There are many strange things that can happen in the world of Warhammer, but thanks to the unfathomable aspects of the Aethyr there are truly no limits. For instance, what if the glorious Lizardmen of Warhammer Fantasy were to set off on a course into the broader galaxy...but instead of arriving into the Age of Sigmar they instead wandered their cosmic temple-ships into the Galaxy of the 41st Millennium? Join Ross, Ryan, and Alexis as they ponder this truly unlikely situation and try to resolve just what would happen!

The Elven Pantheon is full of divine mysteries and strange sagas that have been lost to the fog of time and horrors of war. One of the strangest is a small set of the Gods that have remained mostly shrouded in myth despite their supposed importance to the Elves. Now while the IRL reason for this may have to do with their late arrival into the setting, it does leave some details that can be expanded upon with some careful research! So join Lindsay, VeraSimila, and Ryan (Loremaster of Sotek) as they unveil the few truths about Estreuth, the Lord of Hunger. A God of Famine and Drought, what COULD be the deeper reality behind this enigmatic God? Come along to find out!

The Karaz Ankor, or the Everlasting Realm when translated, is the ancient kingdoms of the Dwarfs that has stood for thousands of years. Yet despite the unified terminology, the Dawi are a fractured folk separated by calamity and miles of hostile territory between holds. For most this isn't a huge issue, but there's one notable faction among the Dawi that were thought lost for centuries until relations were finally re-established. In the northernmost reaches of the world, upon the frigid continent of Norsca, can be found the stalwart and brave folk known to the world as the Norscan Dwarfs. The earliest settlers of this hostile land, these stubborn lords of Stone & Steel have stood as one of the great bulwarks against the encroaching legions of Chaos. Join Andy and Ryan as they decipher the ancient runes that speak of these holds, from their history and culture to the mysteries surrounding their centuries-long absence from the Karaz Ankor.

Rumors swirl around the Warhammer world about mysteries the like of which defy reality and physics. Alternate universes where the events played out differently than they did in the main story where the world was brought to its twisted and explosive conclusion by Archaon the Everchosen. A Storm of Chaos that rumbled down from the Realm of Chaos to crash against Middenheim like a dark tidewave slamming into the rock that all reality desperately clung to. Join Andy and Ryan today as they speak with guest Ross Watson, a prolific Warhammer 40k and 30k writer who actually worked on the original Storm of Chaos! Today they'll discuss the epic, if somewhat infamous, summer campaign that served as the first taste of the End Times and what could have been.

Another Tierlist has come charging out of the mysterious Otherworld to Lorebeards! Today, Andy and Ryan will be rating the various Dukedoms that make up the Kingdom of Bretonnia, that chivalrous land ever so blessed by the Lady of the Lake! Come along for a show of laughs and chaos as the community joins in to vote and surely no wealthy Bordeleaux merchants will knock things askew...

We have focused a good bit on the earlier parts of Morathi's life, her time as a Prophetess cursed with visions of how the world would end. Her twisting path through time as she attempted to secure some salvageable future through any and all methods, no matter the cost to herself or others. Her doomed love to Aenarion the Defender and having to raise Malerion/Malekith alone. But now our attention turns from her role as the Widow of the Phoenix King to the Hag Sorceress of Naggoroth and the Tower of Ghrond. Prepare for the trip to Naggoroth and beyond!

There are many decisive battles to be found across the Warhammer world, epic conflicts that decide the fate of entire nations or even the world at large. One such conflict that took place many centuries ago is only vaguely remembered by most as the Black Plague Wars. A terrible conflict when the Skaven Under-Empire attempted their most infamous uprising against the Empire of Sigmar. After unleashing the horrible disease known as the Black Plague, the decimated remains of the Empire found itself mostly enslaved and crushed underneath the unholy might of the Great Horned Rat's children. However, rescue came in the form of Mandred Skavenslayer, hero of Middenheim who would go on to become Emperor. But with just a simple little push or alteration of destiny, the course of Fate's river can change. What if...the Skaven had won?

Within the Warhammer world there are countless seers and prophets to be found among the various peoples and species that populate the world. Whether their visions come from the Gods, the Winds of Magic, or bizarre quirks of nature, each of them witness futures that they attempt to manipulate to the best of their abilities. Yet there is one who stands far above in age, power, and beauty. A woman who understands more than any other the tragedy of seeing a future that cannot be averted, only one that can be prepared for. Morathi, the Hag Queen, is a truly ancient yet beautiful creature who's story begins upon the island paradise of Ulthuan. Is she a tragic figure? A cruel deceiver? Or something more? Tune in to find out!

There are few sites that inspire more dread and awe than that of a mighty dragon soaring over an army that can only look up in horror before they're inevitably consumed by scorching flames. These ancient drakes are the earliest known masters of Mallus, the Warhammer world, before the coming of the Old Ones. While Lorebeards have discussed aspects of the Dragons of Ulthuan and the Dragons of Grand Cathay, they only represent a small fraction of the species that can be found scattered around the planet. Today's stream serves as a frenzied guide and discussion about the various dragons that can be found in the Old World and further abroad, often unrelated to the traditional tabletop factions most are familiar with. So prepare to delve into forgotten caverns deep into the earth as we seek out the Father of Dragons and the ancient secrets lurking within!

High upon the multi-tiered ziggurat of Mingol Zharr Naggrund, the great Temple of Hashut looms over the Dark Lands with tyrannical might. The current lord and master of the Bull God's sanctuary is the ancient Astragoth Ironhand. The High Priest of Hashut has reigned for centuries, but ultimately the years and the abuse of his power has caught up with him. But what all is the history of this slowly petrifying sorcerer? Join Andy and Ryan as they climb the obsidian stone steps of Zharr Naggrund to discover the truth!

Another tierlist has emerged from depths of the Chaos Wastes to wreak havoc on Lorebeards! This episode turned out to be quite a bit more insane than any of its fellows due to the live audience surely being influenced by the Ruinous Powers. So make your prayers to Sigmar and prepare thyself for a wild ride as Ryan & Andy rate the list of Greater and Lesser Chaos Gods from Warhammer Fantasy!

Among the seemingly endless list of Gods that dwell within the Divine Realms, there's one particular pair that bring a certainly unique dynamic to the Warhammer World. The Orc twins of Gork and Mork (rather that's Mork and Gork) are the belligerent prime Gods of the Greenskins. While the two can be difficult to tell apart according to some, these entities represent the ultimate Greenskin expressions of brutality and cunning in different mixtures. In a world that constantly drowns in bloodshed and violence, only Gork and Mork (or Mork and Gork) can truly be said to enjoy every moment of the tumultuous ride. There is no winning or losing, no greater purpose or grand design. Instead all that matters is to FIGHT anyone and everyone and to prove oneself worthy of DA WAAAGH! So join the Lorebeards as they take up their choppas to prepare for A ROIGHT AN' PROPA' SCRAP!

In the final years of Warhammer Fantasy, a truly staggering number of new things were added to the Warhammer world. Most of these were reasonably well fleshed out or natural expansions on pre-existing material, but one of the most sudden and ill-defined additions were a sudden arrival of Elven Gods. For today's discussion, Loremaster of Sotek summons to him Elven-fans and specialists of VeraSimila and Lindsay Law! Join them as they work together with the community to figure out what MIGHT or SHOULD be the deeper truths of the Elven God known as Eldrazor, the Lord of Blades!

It's time for another one of those goofy bonus episodes of Lorebeards where Andy and Ryan do their best to channel the chaotic Winds of Magic into a decipherable rating system! This time they'll be taking on the Colleges of Magic...AND MORE! Not only will the main magical institution of the Empire be looked at, but the journey continues to other parts of the Empire and even off to bizarre and foreign lands! Time to find out where this insanity leads!

Within the Old World, life for the average human is quite the difficult affair. But there are forces that people can turn to in hard times for relief and succor. One such force is the divine, particularly the motherly Rhya, Goddess of Fertility and the Harvest. One of the ancient primordial Gods known to humanity, she is a critical aspect of life in the more rural areas that attempt to survive despite the predations of Chaos, Greenskins, and worse. Cultivate knowledge with the Lorebeards as they sow the fields of truth behind Rhya's history, nature, and the worshippers that follower her path.

Another educational and absurd tier list has struck Lorebeards! This time we venture into the jungles of the equatorial band where the Lizardmen stand vigilant within their mighty Temple-Cities, from Lustria to the Southlands and beyond! Join Andy and Ryan as they unveil the stories and lore about these fantastical cities built during the mythical era of the Old Ones!

A new friend and guest has manifested out of the aethyr on to Lorebeards! The fascinating and ever-entertaining Verasimila arrives from the depths of the virtual streamer world to discuss Warhammer lore and writing with the Lorebeards! Be sure to check out her channels found at the links below! https://www.twitch.tv/verasimilahttps://www.youtube.com/@VeraSimila

In a VERY strange April Fool's Special, the Lorebeards are joined by PancreasNoWork to discuss the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION EVER in regards to ALL of Warhammer! Who would win when the 40k universe is unleashed upon the original Fantasy setting? Surely this won't go completely off the rails in a strange but fascinating tale of the UItramarines led by Primarch Guilliman launching a desperate crusade upon the Warhammer world to strange and unforeseen results? Well let's find out!

In a VERY strange April Fool's Special, the Lorebeards are joined by PancreasNoWork to discuss the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION EVER in regards to ALL of Warhammer! Who would win when the 40k universe is unleashed upon the original Fantasy setting? Surely this won't go completely off the rails in a strange but fascinating tale of the UItramarines led by Primarch Guilliman launching a desperate crusade upon the Warhammer world to strange and unforeseen results? Well let's find out!

In a VERY strange April Fool's Special, the Lorebeards are joined by PancreasNoWork to discuss the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION EVER in regards to ALL of Warhammer! Who would win when the 40k universe is unleashed upon the original Fantasy setting? Surely this won't go completely off the rails in a strange but fascinating tale of the UItramarines led by Primarch Guilliman launching a desperate crusade upon the Warhammer world to strange and unforeseen results? Well let's find out!

Throughout the millennia that Sigmar's Empire has stood against the various threats to be found across the Warhammer World, the vast majority were outside forces such as the Legions of Chaos or titanic WAAAGH!'s of Greenskins. Yet an entire era was defined by a threat that built up internally, a creeping parasite that wore an all too-human face from the shadows of cursed Sylvania. The Vampire Counts, as they were known, the terrifying Undead aristocracy of the Von Carstein lineage that marched in the footsteps of their infamous sire, Vlad von Carstein. However, the founder of this dread bloodline would prove not to be the most dangerous in the grand scheme of things, rather his favored Son-in-Darkness, the one and only Mannfred von Carstein. The Arch-Traitor and Destroyer of the World according to some, just what is the truth behind one of the most enigmatic and conniving of all Vampires? Join the Lorebeards, Andy and Sotek, as they dive down into the grave to dig up the truth!

Within the various legends and historical moments of the Chaos Dwarfs, there is one incident that they prefer to keep hidden away. Their near extinction at the hands of a titanic slave rebellion, when their freshly created species of Black Orcs orchestrated the hordes of Greenskins against the Children of Hashut. Yet, at the last moment in the desperate siege of Mingol Zharr Naggrund, the treacherous Hobgoblins betrayed their fellow Greenskins and enabled the Dawi Zharr to regain control of their sacred capitol. But what if...the Hobgoblins had ultimately NOT turned their backs on their fellows? If the Greenskins instead had been successful during this climactic moment? Well come along as the Lorebeards explore such a scenario in another episode of..."What If...?"

Games Workshop has at long last released Grand Cathay as the first fully new playable faction into tabletop Warhammer in over 20 years. With them has of course come a new Arcane Journal that expands on the lore of Grand Cathay's history and view on the world! This book has proven a tad controversial, but what do the Lorebeards make of the Dragon Emperor's nation? Grab your favorite beverage of choice and prepare for a good chat as we dive in and take this thing apart page by page!

Far to the south of the Old World can be found the hot and arid climes of the Southlands. While the northern half of the continent is dominated by deadly deserts and undead kingdoms, along the western shores can be found the nation of Men known as Araby. A hardy folk who have survived everything the world has through at them from Elves to the corruption of Chaos, the Arabyans are no strangers to warfare and harsh survival. Join Andy and Sotek as they delve into the storied history of Araby, its real world creation and influences, and the various (in)famous cities that make up this iconic civilization.

There are many fantastical and mysterious places in the Warhammer world, known only to myth and dark rumor. But every once in a while, one of these legendary locations reveals itself to be more than mere stories. Such was the case when the Mists of Albion collapsed due to the tampering of a shadowy Dark Lord, revealing this set of islands to the world. Come along as we delve into the history of this strange land, the people who live there, and the world-altering conflict known as the Shadows Over Albion (or the Albion Crisis) came to pass!

After quite some time, the dreaded Vampires have returned to haunt another episode of Lorebeards! This time we'll be making the dangerous trek up to the ruins of Blood Keep to uncover the ruinous history of the Blood Dragons. Carrying the martial legacy of their founder, Aborash, this vampiric bloodline has affected the world from Nehekhara to the Old World and even as far as the Vampire Coast. So prepare for the battle of a lifetime as we face off with the most martial bloodline among the Vampires!

All across the Warhammer world, there are many mysterious and powerful relics of ancient empires constantly discovered by daring explorers and those without the sense to leave such things alone. The Lorebeards are of course the masters of handling such artefacts and of course know their true origins! The most dangerous and powerful of these items is of course those crafted by the enigmatic Old Ones, beings far beyond the abilities of any to exist before or after. Whether world destroying engines, blades that violate the laws of reality, or far more bizarre creations, there is much to dig up and analyze!

I can't imagine that this episode will be fun to listen to, but hey here it is! This was a fun bonus episode of Lorebeards where Loremaster of Sotek and Andy Law have fun talking about Warhammer stuff but the TRUE point of the stream is FOOOOD! So prepare your offering for the Great Maw as we delve into Scottish food!