Lore Watch

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. /riversongvoice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we explore Marvel's recent Comic-Con announcement that Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU as iconic villain Doctor Doom for the upcoming “Secret Wars” two-part movie. Discover why we think Viktor von Doom can be described as a villainous Boy Scout, how his relationship with Tony Stark is the world's most dangerous and dysfunctional bromance, and how one of his misadventures was basically ‘Drunk History', but with armor and magic. Which, ironically, is how you could describe WoW these days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we explore how the Scarred, a corrupted Earthen race in Khaz Algar of The War Within, may be connected to the twisted Dark Iron Dwarves of Grim Batol. Going further down the rabbit hole, we also delve (hehe) into how many underground zones in WoW could be linked through Old God corruption and how this might be a larger narrative in the game. Also Nephalem, Richard Knaak, and the return of Robert Downey Jr., because…uh, reasons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we discuss how we think the story of Magni and Brann Bronzebeard might play out in the upcoming expansion, various interpretations of The Prophecy of The Boy King (spoiler: it may not be about Anduin), and the possible connection between the Nerubians and the underground spider-elf hybrids known as drider-- uh the Fal'dorei of Suramar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tavern Watch is our podcast devoted to tabletop roleplaying games brought to you by the people behind the Blizzard Watch and Lore Watch podcasts.In this episode, we discuss the updated D&D rulebooks rolling out soon, the impact of the recent massive layoffs at Wizards of the Coast on both their own products and the larger industry, the role of AI in game development, and the importance of community trust for TTRPG companies to be successful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we discuss if WoW is a narrative-first game, the evolution of the portrayal of goblins, and if Anduin taking center stage in the upcoming expansion means Sylvanas will also make an appearance. Bonus: Just how old is Dadgar—uh, Khadgar? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Old God-imbued Saronite to the crystalized blood of Azeroth we call Azerite, many of the raw materials we use for crafting in WoW have a deeper connection to myths and legends in the game. Join us as we go waaaay down the rabbit hole of the surprising lore behind many WoW crafting sources. Plus more Xal'atath background and what's up with that giant abandoned snow covered bird nest in Townlong Steppes? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Shadow Priest artifact weapon to retconned manipulator of Azeroth's history to the Old God-adjacent big bad of The War Within, we discuss what we know about the void entity known as Xal'atath. Followed immediately by everyone's favorite part: wild speculation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we conclude our deep dive into the narrative of the Fallout video game series with a focus on New Vegas as well as possible story tie-ins with the second season of the Fallout TV show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we continue our Fallout lore exploration with a focus on Fallout 3's narrative highlights including the changes made to the series as it moved from Interplay to Bethesda, the journey from Vault 101, how the V.A.T.S. system affected the story, and the unforgettable villains. Also, the lasting impact this title had on the rest of the series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we continue to explore the expanding lore of Fallout 2 picking up with the release of the game sequels and going all the way through to the recent Amazon Prime show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've all been there. A forgotten underground temple full of mysteries, treasures, traps, and more than a few dusty old skulls. (At least we're pretty sure that's dust.) But we're adventurers, and never walk away from danger (in fact, we frequently cause the danger ourselves). In this week's adventure, GM Matt Rossi escorts the hapless Tavern Watch crew to the conclusion of the Pathfinder 2e Rise of the Runelords adventure.We may be hapless, but we've gotten this far! And we'll probably make it all the way to the end of this dungeon, but no promises. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lore. Lore never changes...It's October 2077 and a global nuclear war has devastated the world. And that's just the beginning of the story of Fallout. This week we explore the very first Fallout game, and how this sprawling story began. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GM Matt Rossi continues to guide the hapless Tavern Watch crew through a Pathfinder 2e game, based on the classic Rise of the Runelords adventure.This week, we faced the classic tabletop conundrum: if one of your party members is slower than the rest, should you leave them behind as you sprint ahead into adventure? They'll eventually catch up, right? It'll be fine. (And I'm sure you would have all made the same choice in our place.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tavern Watch crew continues its Pathfinder 2e game, based on the classic Rise of the Runelords adventure!In our latest adventure, GM Matt Rossi watches in amusement (we assume it was amusement) as the party picks a fight with a squirrel and sets on the trail of who — or what — just attacked the town of Sandport. One of these is perhaps more important than the other, but we had to deal with the squirrel.And that building thing? Definitely not our fault. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we explore the Nathrezim's purpose on Azeroth and whether their manipulations had any impact on Sargeras. (Spoiler: probably not.) Plus we recount the whispers of Il'gynoth, what we know about Xal'atath, and just what role the Old Gods might play in the story moving forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Pathfinder 2e: Rise of the Runelords campaign begins! GM Matt Rossi sends our adventurers to the town of Sandport, where the party visits the local festival, has a curious encounter with a fortune teller, and fights off a group of angry goblins who descend on the celebrations. Surely that won't have any consequences at all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.