Life of Fiction, The Podcast

We had a plan. We followed that plan.

Life had it’s own plan.

We have always loved podcasting, which we started doing in 2005. Readers of our original comic books wanted to hear the voices of the characters they’d grown to love.

They became addicted to our podcasts and silly antics, and so did we.

Over the years we got better in crafting podcasts, and when we shifted from creating comic books to novels, we did the same with the podcasts.

Life, however, seems to have it’s own plans for us.

…ones we are often forced to comply to.

This is such a time.

When we paused the podcast, hoping to work out the technical difficulties, we took the time to reflect about our voice, our goals, hopes and dreams. We’ve made many podcasts, but none of them have lasted more than a few seasons. That’s when we asked ourselves…

If we could create any kind of podcast, but it was limited to the solo time and talent of Jaime Buckley, what would we create?

That’s when we realized that Life of Fiction, the Podcast answered that for us.

Stories.

Short stories, read by Jaime, to you,…to open up another part of the Wanted Hero world. Something that would stand alone, on it’s own, and that could be listened to completely out of order…and it wouldn’t matter in the least.

We all smiled.

…and Jaime got writing.

“I won’t do this again, unless I have a minimum of two years of stories. Not seasons…I don’t want to do seasons anymore. One story, each Thursday, rain or shine, for two years.”

A bit over a year later, Jaime had 104 written stories.…and ideas for years to come.

He’s recording them now.

The show is scheduled to launch once the first eight episodes are ready.

[NOTE: Jaime wrote Episode 000 to allow us to register with Spotify and Apple before we launch. The show will ‘officially’ start with Episode 001…]

So yes, this is The End.

…of the old ways.

Now it’s time to move onto the new.

Come join us at the Roadkill Tavern!

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

I put out a call for questions. Some of you responded. Others responded too enthusiastically, and may be added to a watch list.

Today’s the day I answer your most curious, ridiculous, and suspiciously-specific questions about gnomes, Trench Wars, and whatever else gets tossed into my hat.

What did you silly humans ask?

QUESTION #1: "Do gnomes really have battle muffins, and if so, what makes them 'battle' worthy?"

QUESTION #2: "Is it true that some gnomes ride armadillos into the arena?"

QUESTION #3: "Why do gnomes take Trench Wars so seriously?"

QUESTION #4: "How do gnomes deal with fear before a match?"

QUESTION #5: "What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen at a Trench War match?"

QUESTION #6: "Are there forbidden Trench techniques?"

QUESTION #7: "Why do some gnomes paint fake buttons on their consoles?"

QUESTION #8: "Is Trench Wars still dangerous?"

That wraps up not just today's wild ride through battle muffins and sabotage scandals… but also Season 4 of Life of Fiction, the Podcast.

Thank you for being part of this journey. For asking questions, sharing ideas, and reminding us that storytelling isn’t just what we do... it’s who we are.

If you have questions you’d like answered in the next edition of Ask Höbin Anything, you know where to find me:

LifeOfFiction.com

Until next time, remember: If you hear mechanical whirring in the ceiling, stay still. If your tea whistles in a minor key, don’t drink it.

And above all...

You are MORE than you THINK you are.

Let us know what you thought of the podcast, or if you have any questions, make sure to leave them in the comments or email [email protected].

Welcome to Episode 61 of Life of Fiction. Today, we’re talking about the stories they tried to bury.

Not the scoreboards. Not the stats. Not the flashy player cards sold outside the match tunnels.

We’re talking about the dirt. The bones. The secrets at the heart of the game.

And at the center of it all—what most folks forget, or conveniently gloss over—are the Trench brothers themselves: Burton and Ernie.

If you want more hidden lore, strange encounters, or to hear how I almost got arrested for stealing a Trench Wars towel from the VIP tent, visit us at LifeOfFiction.com.

Remember: You are MORE than you THINK you are!

...see you next time. 🚀

Let us know what you thought of the podcast, or if you have any questions, make sure to leave them in the comments or email [email protected].

So here’s the setup: I went to Wyoming.

Now, that sentence alone could be the punchline, but it gets better. I hadn’t been to my brothers home in over 20 years. And apparently, the first thing you do after a long-overdue reunion is... throw the eldest sibling into a digital apocalypse filled with shrieking undead cannibals.

Turns out, my brother and his kids are not only wonderful human beings—they’re also very, very good at helping you confront your irrational fears while laughing at your pain. (And recording it.)

See, I’ve had this thing about zombies since childhood.

Don’t ask.

Just know it involves a vivid imagination, questionable sleep, and a lot of twitching at night.

But somehow—somehow—they convinced me to play 7 Days to Die, a game designed by people I’m sure are either sadists or brilliant horror artists.

Or both.

We set up a LAN party. They held my hand (digitally). They taught me how to craft a club, wear pants (important), and swing like a half-terrified K-pop samurai. …then they released me into a city teeming with death and disease...while live-streaming my screams for the world to enjoy.

This video is only the first 3 hours of a 10-hour death march (thanks, Substack).

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll watch a grown man name zombies things like “Lazy Susan” and “Clementine” before being eaten alive.

But honestly?

It was one of the most unexpectedly joyful experiences I’ve had in a long time.

Enjoy the chaos. I sure did.

Eventually.

Stories that hit you in the feels, tickle your brain, and sometimes punch you in the plot twist. Subscribe and see for yourself.

🧟‍♂️ Stream Summary: Facing Zombies, My Sanity, and an Overly Helpful Family

Game: 7 Days to DieDuration: 10-hour live stream (only 3 hours archived on Substack)Setting: LAN party in Wyoming, surrounded by kids, nephews, and gleeful tormentors

🔥 Bullet Highlights from the Stream

* Faced one of my real-life phobias: zombies... and did it live.

* Customized my character into a K-pop Asian redneck named Bubba. Naturally.

* Screamed. A lot. Like, a lot a lot. You'll hear it.

* Asked if neon green hair would attract more zombies (answer: no, but yes, but no).

* Nearly passed out at the sound of in-game vomiting.

* Died almost immediately and repeatedly. My leg got eaten. It happens.

* Mistook zombie groans for bladder zippers. Welcome to survival horror.

* Shot a zombie in the unmentionables. Self-defense.

* Proudly declared: “I killed her! For zombie!”

* Crawled, panicked, and somehow found joy in the middle of pixelated terror.

😂 Things I Learned (Under Duress)

* Zombies are terrifying. Even digital ones. Even when you know they're coming.

* Screaming builds character. Also bonds family. Also breaks audio levels.

* Purple eyes and K-pop hair = power. Not statistically, but emotionally.

* Glue is vital. Don’t ask. Just hoard glue.

* Zombies can climb ladders. That should be illegal.

* Never trust your children. They will feed you to the undead for laughs.

* Leroy Jenkins is still a viable strategy. …Ish.

* If you shoot a zombie in the crotch and survive, you’re allowed to brag.

* Hearing “Behind you!” is never helpful when it’s already behind you.

* Apparently I can fight fear if someone I love is next to me. That’s new. That’s beautiful.

Right, pull up a chair (preferably one that doesn’t hum when you sit on it), and let’s recap the episode the Guild warned me not to publish.

In Episode 60 of Life of Fiction – the Podcast, I shared some of my deeply investigative—and probably indictable—observations on Trench Wars, pulled directly from my experience following Alhannah Luckyfeller through the dusty gears and deadly glory of the Games.

You see, Trench Wars isn’t a sport.

It’s a ritual.

It’s defiance wrapped in brass and battle muffins.

🔧 What Did We Learn?

The Trench is older than its brackets. It started with desperation and mech-building rebellion by two dirt-poor brothers who just wanted to help their dad. Now it’s a cultural pressure valve disguised as entertainment.

The Trench Brothers were legends before they were outlaws. Burton and Ernie built the first functional scrap mech and punched injustice square in the badge.

Betting scandals are real. People are gambling with gearboxes, favors, and one notable instance… a canoe. I have questions.

Sponsors are scary. They don’t just fund pilots—they own them. Contracts include wardrobe clauses, jellybean rituals, and in one case, a cockpit compliance rune that smells like wet mushroom loaf if you disobey orders. (Alhannah refused to confirm this, which means it’s true.)

The Forked Helm is real. No records. No rosters. No expressions. Six years, six wins, six vanishings. And now their symbol is scratched under my desk. Which I did not buy on the island.

🧠 Things I May Be Investigating (but officially deny):

Secret mech parts hidden in bakery supply trucks

A referee who may or may not be four raccoons in a trench coat

Whether Alhannah is smuggling schematic blueprints inside her socks (plausible)

🔧 Takeaway?

You think Trench Wars is just gear and sparks?It's a living myth in progress, and the only way to understand it… is to get grease on your soul.

This was Episode 60.

More to reveal. More to come.

—Höbin LuckyfellerGnome Historian | Podcast Host | Probably Being Watched

🎉 Don’t Miss the Party! 🎉

WantedHero.com is turning 21 years old!We’re throwing a digital birthday bash on May 27th—and you’re invited.

✅ Special giveaway for everyone!✅ A ‘Special’ Discount available for 1 hour.✅ Visit with the Author, Jaime Buckley (he’s turning 56!)

👉 Click here to join the celebration!Come say hi, snag something shiny, and help us toast nearly two decades of wild worldbuilding.

Join The BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Remember: You are MORE than you THINK you are!

...see you next time. 🚀

Let us know what you thought of the podcast, or if you have any questions, make sure to leave them in the comments or email [email protected].

In Episode 59 of Life of Fiction – the Podcast, we ask one of the biggest questions in RPG design: How should heroes grow?

From XP-driven advancement and story-based milestones to hybrid models and class trials, this episode explores how leveling systems can become powerful storytelling tools—not just stat spreadsheets.

Whether you’re into grinding monsters, earning narrative moments, or unlocking game-changing abilities through epic feats, this conversation challenges the traditional approach to character growth and invites you to help shape a system that makes leveling feel personal, meaningful, and unforgettable.

🧠 Key Takeaways from this Episode

🎚️ Progression = Purpose

In The Hero Within, leveling isn’t just about stats—it’s about storytelling.Growth should feel like a shift in who your character is, not just what they can do.This episode explores how leveling systems can align with personal arcs and narrative depth.

⚔️ XP vs. Milestones vs. Hybrid

The team dives into the three main systems of advancement:

XP-Based – Consistent and predictable, but risks turning growth into a grind.

Milestone-Based – Story-driven and emotional, but pacing can be uneven.

Hybrid – The best of both: XP for minor boosts, milestones for major evolution.

Each method changes how players interact with the world—and how their choices matter.

🌟 What Leveling Should Give You

Leveling in The Hero Within could offer:

Stat upgrades like Might, Coordination, and Reason

New skills, class abilities, or role-based powers

Unique story rewards, like titles, relationships, or faction influence

Special abilities tied to what your character has done, not just how much XP they’ve earned

Progression becomes part of the narrative arc, not just a mechanical routine.

🧪 Trials, Feats, and Heroic Moments

Not every level should come easy. The team discusses:

Class Trials – Advancement through challenges that fit your archetype

Epic Feats – Surviving legendary encounters, forging alliances, or changing the world

Narrative Milestones – Key story events that alter your character permanently

These systems encourage players to grow through story, not just combat.

⏳ Pacing and Shared Progress

The team also explores:

Group progression – Everyone levels together to keep story pacing clean

Pacing mechanics – Story arcs dictate growth rather than monster counts

Level caps and resets – Big class shifts (like becoming a Warlord or Magus) may “soft reset” character progression for balanced scaling

All of it is aimed at making growth feel earned, without bogging down the fun.

💬 Community Questions – Help Shape the System!

Should leveling be XP-driven, milestone-triggered, or a hybrid of both?

What’s the most exciting kind of reward to get when you level up?

Would you enjoy class trials or feat-based unlocks tied to your narrative?

How fast should characters grow in a story-focused system?

🛠️ Join the conversation at LifeOfFiction.comBecause your growth should be more than math—it should mean something.

Thats it. That’s all I’ve got for you this week.

If you love storytelling, role-playing games, or just being part of a creative movement, now is your chance.

Come play with me.

Remember: You are MORE than you THINK you are!

...see you next time. 🚀

Let us know what you thought of the podcast, or if you have any questions, make sure to leave them in the comments or email [email protected].

In Episode 58 of Life of Fiction – the Podcast, we take a winding path through the mysterious and still-developing Wayfarer class—a character built not for domination, but discovery.

These adaptable adventurers thrive on exploration, survival, and cultural connection. Are they a standalone class? A skill tree? A myth wrapped in boots and trail dust? From pathfinding and diplomacy to wilderness intuition and movement mastery, this episode explores what it means to be the hero who sees what others miss… and lives to tell the tale.

🧠 Key Takeaways from this Episode

🗺️ The Wayfarer: Hero of the Unseen Path

Wayfarers in The Hero Within aren’t built for conquest—they're built for discovery.They’re the scouts, diplomats, survivalists, and lore-bearers who navigate the edges of the known world and make everything else possible.

They don’t just cross the map—they connect the story dots no one else even sees.

🧭 Class Progression: Explorer → Wanderer → Wayfarer

Explorer – Skilled in travel, survival, foraging, and mapmaking.

Wanderer – Experienced in environmental reading, negotiation, and adaptation.

Wayfarer – A legendary figure whose very presence uncovers hidden paths, secures allies, and shapes world events.

Wayfarers evolve through knowledge, movement, and connection—not brute strength or arcane power.

🌍 Utility Over Combat

This class thrives in versatility:

Scouts new terrain

Manages resources and survival

Translates languages and mediates conflicts

Adapts to almost any situation

They may not dominate combat… but you’ll miss them the moment they’re gone.

🚶‍♂️ Movement = Power

Unlike other classes, mobility is the Wayfarer’s strength:

Mastery of difficult terrain

Access to hidden paths and travel bonds

Wilderness intuition and natural resistance

Tools for evasion, redirection, and rapid response

They control the space between threats.

⚖️ A Class on the Edge

One of the episode’s big questions:Should the Wayfarer be a full class, a subclass, or a universal skill system?

The design team explores pros and cons of:

Full standalone class design

Branching from Hunter or Tinkerer archetypes

Modularity: letting any class “pick up Wayfarer traits”

💬 Community Questions – Help Shape the Decision!

Does the Wayfarer deserve its own path—or should its essence be shared across classes?

What kind of survival, travel, or exploration mechanics excite you as a player?

Can a non-combat class still feel powerful and vital?

🛠️ Join the conversation at LifeOfFiction.comBecause not every hero storms the gates—some map the way there.

NEXT TIME: How Should Progression and Leveling Work?

Thats it. That’s all I’ve got for you this week.

If you love storytelling, role-playing games, or just being part of a creative movement, now is your chance.

Come play with me.

Remember: You are MORE than you THINK you are!

...see you next time. 🚀

Let us know what you thought of the podcast, or if you have any questions, make sure to leave them in the comments or email [email protected].