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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 the Dungeon Master’s Guide.

We explore how The Muppets, Fraggle Rock, and Labyrinth brought warmth, hope, and heartfelt silliness to Land of Eem’s tone. Then we dive into the “Worlds in Peril” that added grit and grandeur—Mad Max, RoboCop, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Gotrek & Felix. From there, we celebrate the heroes, antiheroes, and lovable weirdos who defined the game’s storytelling DNA: Conan the Barbarian, Usagi Yojimbo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hellboy, Ghostbusters, and Bone.

We also talk shop about the games that influenced our design philosophy—AD&D 2E, Star Wars RPG, Dungeon World, World of Warcraft, and Diablo II—and how they shaped Land of Eem’s blend of story, travel, and treasure.

By the end, you’ll see how whimsy, sincerity, and epic stakes collide to make Land of Eem what it is: a world of adventure, friendship, and heartfelt absurdity.

Visit www.landofeem.com
to download the FREE Quickstart Guide, or grab the full Land of Eem RPG from Exalted Funeral, your local game store, or your favorite online retailer.

Join our Discord community, subscribe, and leave a review if you love tabletop RPG podcasts that mix comedy, creativity, and wonder.

Rollin' Down the Road is featured in the Rickety Stitch Book 2: The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks.

The lyrics were written by Ben Costa and James Parks, and the song was written by musician Evin Wolverton.

Thank you for listening to the Wizards of Eem Podcast!

Support the show

Visit us at: https://landofeem.com

Support Us
Free Land of Eem Quickstart Guide: https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/
Land of Eem RPG: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem
Dungeoneer Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM
Rickety Stitch Comics: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection
Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch
Join Our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem

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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 goals, allies, and enemies, you can instantly transform your campaign into a world teeming with drama and consequence. We’ll break down how factions deepen worldbuilding, raise tension, and create unforgettable roleplay moments as players navigate shifting loyalties, rivalries, and alliances.

From friends who provide resources and quests, to foes who raise the tension every session, to intriguing neutral parties with hidden agendas, factions keep the story alive both on and off the table. We’ll share tips on how to build meaningful factions, tie them to character backstories, and let them evolve in ways that reshape the world. Plus, we’ll look at fun examples from Land of Eem, as well as general TTRPGs like noble houses, rebel armies, and secret cults.

Whether you’re a GM seeking to engage your players or a storyteller looking for fresh inspiration, this episode will give you everything you need to make your campaign world feel alive.

👉 Want to learn more about the whimsical fantasy RPG Land of Eem? Visit www.landofeem.com
for the free Quickstart Guide, or grab the full game at Exalted Funeral and at Friendly Local Game Stores everywhere. Created by Ben Costa and James Parks, Land of Eem is a lighthearted, family-friendly TTRPG full of adventure and heart.

If you love the show, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the Wizards of Eem Podcast!

Rollin' Down the Road is featured in the Rickety Stitch Book 2: The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks.

The lyrics were written by Ben Costa and James Parks, and the song was written by musician Evin Wolverton.

Thank you for listening to the Wizards of Eem Podcast!

Support the show

Visit us at: https://landofeem.com

Support Us
Free Land of Eem Quickstart Guide: https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/
Land of Eem RPG: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem
Dungeoneer Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM
Rickety Stitch Comics: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection
Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch
Join Our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem

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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 character, and finding joy in both success and failure. You’ll hear tips for shy players, stories of unexpected roleplay twists (like stealing a trombone that turned into a subplot!), and advice on how to explore the whimsical world of Land of Eem with curiosity and creativity.

Collaboration is at the heart of great roleplaying, so we’ll also talk about sharing the spotlight, building on each other’s ideas with the “Yes, and…” principle, and supporting your fellow adventurers. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or brand new to the hobby, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you shine as a player in any tabletop RPG.

🌟 Land of Eem RPG is available now from Exalted Funeral, carried by many friendly local game stores, and online retailers everywhere. You can also download the free Quickstart Guide at www.landofeem.com.

Created by Ben Costa and James Parks (Rickety Stitch, Dungeoneer Adventures), Land of Eem is a lighthearted, family-friendly fantasy RPG full of hope, humor, and memorable storytelling. And now—it’s an ENNIE Award–winning game!

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share if you love tabletop RPG podcasts and actual play content. Drop a comment below: What’s one thing you do to be a good player at your table?

Rollin' Down the Road is featured in the Rickety Stitch Book 2: The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks.

The lyrics were written by Ben Costa and James Parks, and the song was written by musician Evin Wolverton.

Thank you for listening to the Wizards of Eem Podcast!

Support the show

Visit us at: https://landofeem.com

Support Us
Free Land of Eem Quickstart Guide: https://landofeem.com/quick-start-guide/
Land of Eem RPG: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/pages/land-of-eem
Dungeoneer Adventures: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41WM4YM
Rickety Stitch Comics: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/rickety-stitch-and-the-gelatinous-goo-the-exalted-collection
Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ricketystitch
Join Our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/CMq7BsK
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofEem