Wizards of Eem

By: James Parks Ben Costa
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  • Summary

  • Wizards of Eem is a podcast hosted by Ben Costa and James Parks, lifelong friends and the creative duo behind the graphic novel series Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo (Knopf / Random House), the middle-grade series Dungeoneer Adventures (Aladdin / Simon and Schuster), and the tabletop roleplaying game Land of Eem (Exalted Funeral).

    Join Ben Costa and James Parks as they dive into the art of storytelling, tabletop game design, and the creative industries they love. This podcast offers a blend of behind-the-scenes insights, practical advice, and candid discussions designed to inspire TTRPG enthusiasts, aspiring authors, illustrators, and creators of all kinds. With their signature mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and actionable tips, this podcast is your gateway to mastering creative storytelling and game design

    Behind-the-Scenes Insights
    Discover how Ben and James bring their creations to life, from crafting immersive worlds to designing games. Learn about the origins of Land of Eem, Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo, and Dungeoneer Adventures, and get exclusive peeks into their creative process.

    Creative Philosophy
    Explore their unique approach to storytelling, worldbuilding, and collaboration. From creating relatable characters to balancing humor and adventure, Ben and James reveal the secrets behind their fantasy worlds and game design philosophy.

    Game Design Hot Takes
    Dive into the mechanics of tabletop RPGs with Ben and James as they share their thoughts on sandbox design, random encounters, memorable NPCs, and crafting unique tones and adventures in the Land of Eem RPG.

    Practical Advice
    Gain valuable tips on breaking into the creative industries, including how to pitch projects, stay inspired, and refine your craft. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, illustrator, or game designer, this podcast provides tools and inspiration for turning ideas into reality.

    Fun and Whimsy
    Enjoy the lighthearted chemistry of two lifelong friends as they reflect on their shared love of fantasy, RPG campaigns, and storytelling. With anecdotes and banter, Ben and James invite you into their whimsical world of creativity.
    © 2025 Ben Costa and James Parks
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Art Literary History & Criticism
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Episodes
  • The Lord of the Rings meets The Muppets?! Why Tone Matters in TTRPGs! | Wizards of Eem EP005

    The Lord of the Rings meets The Muppets?! Why Tone Matters in TTRPGs! | Wizards of Eem EP005
    Apr 16 2025

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    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 Land of Eem’s signature Adventure Tones shape gameplay, and share tips for blending tones to keep your campaigns fresh and dynamic. Learn how to adjust the mood of your game to match your players' energy, inspire better roleplaying, and create powerful narrative arcs.

    • Perfect for GMs, storytellers, and RPG creators
    • Great for campaigns using systems like Land of Eem, D&D, Pathfinder, and other narrative-driven games
    • Includes real examples and behind-the-scenes insights from the Land of Eem creators

    Subscribe and listen now to level up your storytelling!

    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!

    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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    16 mins
  • Why TTRG Sandbox Campaigns Are Fantastic | Wizards of Eem EP004

    Why TTRG Sandbox Campaigns Are Fantastic | Wizards of Eem EP004
    Mar 14 2025

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    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 also talk about how sandbox settings enhance narrative campaigns, why travel is one of the most overlooked aspects of RPGs, and how Land of Eem was built to embrace sandbox play with minimal prep time.

    Tune in as we dive into the magic of open-world TTRPGs and how they can make your games richer and more engaging.

    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!

    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
    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • How to Get Published: Insider Tips for Aspiring Authors | Wizards of Eem EP003

    How to Get Published: Insider Tips for Aspiring Authors | Wizards of Eem EP003
    Mar 7 2025

    Send us a text

    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 media, school visits, and creative tools like the Land of Eem tabletop game. Whether you’re starting out or refining your craft, these tips will help you succeed in publishing!


    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!

    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
    Show more Show less
    19 mins
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