Atoms Knocking on Atoms I think worldbuilders are a strange bunch. We mostly grew up worshiping detail and intricacy because we’re the type of people that like to dive deep into detail. I knew this when my wife asked me what Tusken Raiders looked like under their desert regalia and I started talking about the…
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This blog was written by the talented Marcos. As a long time contributor to the podcast you’ve definitely heard his voice or at least felt his presence via his mad editing skills. This blog represents some more scattered thoughts he’s had about violence, murder and mooks (cannon fodder) in fictional worlds. It’s a great reflection…
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Shivs are a vital and rare resource in the Last of Us, they unlock doors, allow for quick and stealthy kills or rescue you from the embrace of a savage clicker. They’re a gameplay mechanic in a gritty, fairly realistic world and, if taken too literally, are entirely immersion breaking. This is not a criticism…
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It might be best to open with this video, it’s a plot hole explainer from Shaun of the Dead and it’s pretty neat. I’m a massive fan of satirical movies. They have this great way of exposing the weaknesses (and many of the strengths) of a given genre at storytelling. This scene lays out one…
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I recently played a new pen and paper roleplaying game with Jon. Guy’s a brilliant game runner and it was a blast. The setting is called Degenesis and uses the Katharsys system which appears to have been designed solely for the game. Now, Degenesis is made by artists and you can tell. It’s a beautiful…
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So, here we are again, I’m writing about Harry Potter. In a prior blog I’d alluded to the Statute of Secrecy being a problem and now listening to our Rich vs. Poor episode featuring Seth and Marcos I’m even more peeved about it. You see, class disparity doesn’t have to be the result of cash…
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I’ve always known that my creative process requires a firm structure. This has been one of the irrefutable laws of my life, in fact. My best, most fruitful work is accomplished in highly structured bursts that follow a nearly circadian rhythm. Distractions are the enemy, an enemy that is often overwhelmingly effective as sights or…
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This blog article references a patreon exclusive episode of the worldcraft club. Our club members get access to about 50% more content in longform episodes and entirely unique ones for as low as $5 a month. If you haven’t already, take little time to consider becoming a club member it’s honestly what keeps us afloat….
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In short, it doesn’t necessarily makes your predators less scary, just less predatory and, therefore, less capable of fulfilling that precise narrative role. The distinction should not be taken lightly. A mind flayer is a complex villain not just a tentacle faced brain muncher, both are scary, but in different ways.
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Authors, game masters, storytellers, visual artists, and others all have a common problem. You want to create something that’s familiar, but unique to you. Whether that be a new variant of Orc, a culture for your world, or something as simple as a snack for your characters to eat. Creating something that belongs to your…
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