Wizards of Eem

Send us Fan Mail Today on the Wizards of Eem Podcast, we sit down with special guest Jorbin of Elder Goblin Games to talk about Seven Delving Sins: the rules-light, co-op tabletop RPG you reach for when game night falls apart and only one friend shows up. We get into the game he is designing, the indie RPG scene, and what it really takes to get a game from your notebook to the table. Jorbin pitche...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how to design a class that feels iconic from session one? In this episode of the Wizards of Eem Podcast, Ben Costa and James Parks pull back the curtain on TTRPG class design — how they build the classes for Land of Eem, the whimsical family-friendly tabletop RPG, and the principles you can steal for your own game. It all starts with the class fantasy : the trope you...

Send us Fan Mail 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 se...

Send us Fan Mail 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-g...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail What makes a good player at the table? In this episode of the Wizards of Eem podcast, we dive into what it means to bring your best self to a game of Land of Eem—and really, any TTRPG. From bold roleplay to embracing failure, we explore how to make every session more fun, not just for you, but for your whole group. We break down the essentials of player ownership, speaking in char...

Send us Fan Mail Random encounters aren’t just filler—they add depth, immersion, and flexibility to your tabletop roleplaying games! Whether you're running a sandbox campaign or following a published adventure, random encounters provide the juice for entire sessions, making your world feel alive and unpredictable. In this episode, Ben Costa and James Parks break down why they rely on random e...

Send us Fan Mail Wizards of Eem EP011 – The Case for Imbalanced Combat Are you a GM tired of building "perfectly balanced" encounters? In this episode, we explore why Land of Eem embraces unfair fights—and how imbalance leads to better stories. Topics include: Why imbalance creates tension, surprise, and creativity How Land of Eem’s conflict system rewards clever thinking Famous examples...

Send us Fan Mail Are you a parent or educator looking to introduce tabletop roleplaying games to kids? TTRPGs aren’t just fun—they build social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities while keeping kids off screens! As new dads, Ben Costa and James Parks wanted to create an RPG that kids can pick up and play without the complexity of traditional games like D&D. That’s why they develo...

Send us Fan Mail We Failed Every Roll... and It Was GLORIOUS | Wizards of Eem EP009 June 20, 2025 | Actual Play Tips & GM Advice In this episode of the Wizards of Eem podcast, we explore one of the most powerful storytelling tools in tabletop RPGs: failure. Join us as we break down the Land of Eem’s unique dice system and the mechanics that make failure not just tolerable—but fun and essential...

Send us Fan Mail Unleash Dynamic Monsters: How to Make Engaging Creatures for TTRPGs In this episode of Wizards of Eem , we explore how to create truly memorable monster encounters in your tabletop RPG sessions. Monsters shouldn't just be bags of hit points—they can be fully realized characters that shape your story in unexpected ways. We cover how to design monsters with depth, motivations,...

Send us Fan Mail Struggling to Hook Your Players? 4 Keys to Better RPG Adventures | Wizards of Eem Podcast Do your RPG sessions fall flat? Are players ignoring your carefully planned quests? In this episode of Wizards of Eem , we reveal the four essential elements that make any tabletop RPG adventure instantly more engaging—no matter the system you play. Whether you're running Land of Eem , D...

Send us Fan Mail How to Create Unforgettable NPCs for Your Tabletop RPG | Wizards of Eem Podcast Want to make NPCs that your players will actually care about? In this episode of Wizards of Eem , we uncover the secret to creating memorable, fully realized NPCs that drive your story forward. Learn how to give every non-player character real motivations, personality traits, goals, and quirks —and wat...

Send us Fan Mail How does tone affect your tabletop RPG sessions? In this episode of Wizards of Eem , we explore how shifting adventure tone— Hijinks, Derring-Do, and Doom & Gloom —can transform your game. Whether you're running a lighthearted fantasy romp or a grimdark perilous quest, tone directly impacts player engagement , story pacing , and memorable moments . We break down how the L...

Send us Fan Mail Are TTRGP sandbox campaigns really the worst?   Psh. No, they're fantastic. Today, we’re breaking down why they are actually one of the best ways to play and run TTRPGs as a GM. Some believe that open-world campaigns are outdated or directionless, but we’re here to debunk that myth. Sandbox campaigns encourage true exploration, player-driven storytelling, and easy GM prep. We...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we share our journey to getting published and break down the key steps for aspiring authors. Learn how to network with industry professionals, acquire an agent, craft a compelling pitch, and why having complete work is essential. We also dive into working with publishers, refining your manuscript with editors, and the best ways to promote yourself using social med...

Send us Fan Mail How do you make a 657-page graphic novel series? In this episode, we, Ben Costa and James Parks, take you through every stage of the creative process behind Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo . From outlining and scripting to thumbnailing and illustrating, we share how we brought this epic fantasy adventure to life—one page at a time. If you’re curious about what it takes to ma...

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Ben Costa and James Parks—lifelong friends and the creative duo behind Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo , Dungeoneer Adventures , and the Land of Eem tabletop RPG—as they dive into their imaginative world. In this inaugural episode, they share their whimsical philosophy on storytelling, insights into game design, and the magic of crafting unique fantasy settings. W...