Wizards of Eem
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.
Episodes
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 encounters in Land of Eem, how...
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 of underdogs overcoming impossible odd...
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 developed Dungeoneer Adventures: Th...
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 to great gameplay. Learn how compl...
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, and unique behaviors that go far be...
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, Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, or anot...
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 watch your tabletop RPG sessions become more...
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 ...
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 enh...
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 ...
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 make a massive creative project or looking...
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. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a budd...
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