We Aren't Dead Yet

Welcome to Episode 12 of We Aren’t Dead Yet, a podcast throwing magic missiles into the ttrpg, gamer and speculative fiction sphere and seeing whether we come out alive at the end.

Every Thursday will be WADY Day, a celebration of something gamer, literature or culture shocking with three friends who found each other online via World Anvil and went “Hey! Let’s talk”. We found out we all have a lot to say and different approaches to the same questions.

We have a veteran Dungeon Master, an award winning World Builder & Media Producer, and a bestselling cyberpunk + mythpunk author, here to snark, speak and speculate on fiction, creative professions and games.

Today’s episode… Building the Foundations!

Ever dreamed of running a thrilling tabletop RPG adventure, but worried about a multi-week campaign commitment? One-shots are the answer! In this episode, we talk essentials of crafting unforgettable one-shot TTRPG experiences for you and your players. We'll lay the groundwork by exploring the core elements of a one-shot, from brainstorming captivating ideas to structuring a satisfying narrative. Feeling uninspired? We'll unlock the secrets of finding genre-based inspiration, helping you conjure fantastical adventures, thrilling mysteries, or gritty post-apocalyptic struggles. We'll guide you through crafting the central tension that will keep your players engaged from start to finish. Mastering the art of pacing is also key! We'll equip you with the knowledge to ensure your one-shot flows seamlessly, leaving your players wanting more. So, grab your dice, gather your party, and prepare to play!

If you want to support We Aren’t Dead Yet, please subscribe to become one of our Not Dead Knights and consider a paid tier, purchase something from our Merch Store, buy Macabre and Monstrous, our first anthology of horror stories and shout out about We Aren’t Dead Yet on social media.

Have a question you want to ask about the episode, the writing sphere or table top role playing games? Hit us up with comments on substack, down in the comments section below, or by throwing a question up on X @usurperkings or @e__armstrong.

Every little bit helps.

Cheers for now,

We’ll see you next week for the third episode of our One Shot series!

Hosts: Sapha Burnell, K. S. Bishoff, Emily Armstrong

Audio Production: Emily Armstrong

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Yrii Semchyshyn

Welcome to Episode 11 of We Aren’t Dead Yet, a podcast throwing magic missiles into the ttrpg, gamer and speculative fiction sphere and seeing whether we come out alive at the end.

Every Thursday will be WADY Day, a celebration of something gamer, literature or culture shocking with three friends who found each other online via World Anvil and went “Hey! Let’s talk”. We found out we all have a lot to say and different approaches to the same questions.

We have a veteran Dungeon Master, an award winning World Builder & Media Producer, and a bestselling cyberpunk + mythpunk author, here to snark, speak and speculate on fiction, creative professions and games.

Today’s episode… Side Characters Explored!

What is a TTRPG one shot? We kick things off in this episode by defining (and later try to redefine) exactly that and the numerous benefits of running one with your group. We're talking about low commitment for those who can't do an entire campaign and an easy entry point for newcomers to get their feet wet. Plus, one-shots let you live out those whacky character concepts you'd never want to be stuck with long-term! Stick around until the end as we dish on our own experiences writing our very first one-shot adventures.

If you want to support We Aren’t Dead Yet, please subscribe to become one of our Not Dead Knights and consider a paid tier, purchase something from our Merch Store, buy Macabre and Monstrous, our first anthology of horror stories and shout out about We Aren’t Dead Yet on social media.

Have a question you want to ask about the episode, the writing sphere or table top role playing games? Hit us up with comments on substack, down in the comments section below, or by throwing a question up on X @usurperkings or @e__armstrong.

Every little bit helps.

Cheers for now,

We’ll see you next week for the second episode of our One Shot series!

Hosts: Sapha Burnell, K. S. Bishoff, Emily Armstrong

Audio Production: Emily Armstrong

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Yrii Semchyshyn

Welcome to Episode 10 of We Aren’t Dead Yet, a podcast throwing magic missiles into the ttrpg, gamer and speculative fiction sphere and seeing whether we come out alive at the end.

Every Thursday will be WADY Day, a celebration of something gamer, literature or culture shocking with three friends who found each other online via World Anvil and went “Hey! Let’s talk”. We found out we all have a lot to say and different approaches to the same questions.

We have a veteran Dungeon Master, an award winning World Builder & Media Producer, and a bestselling cyberpunk + mythpunk author, here to snark, speak and speculate on fiction, creative professions and games.

Today’s episode… Side Characters Explored!

In this episode, we take a look at side characters in literature and tabletop roleplaying games. We'll start by exploring how to deal with multiple minor characters in your cast and creating layered minor character in literature. Then we examine the role of non-player characters (NPCs) in TTRPGs, discussing the various types of NPCs and offering tips for game masters on how to effectively utilize them to enrich the gaming experience. From establishing clear motivations to creating memorable character traits, we'll provide practical advice on how to breathe life into your supporting cast.

If you want to support We Aren’t Dead Yet, please subscribe to become one of our Not Dead Knights and consider a paid tier, purchase something from our Merch Store, buy Macabre and Monstrous, our first anthology of horror stories and shout out about We Aren’t Dead Yet on social media.

Have a question you want to ask about the episode, the writing sphere or table top role playing games? Hit us up with comments on substack, down in the comments section below, or by throwing a question up on X @usurperkings or @e__armstrong.

Every little bit helps.

Cheers for now,

We’ll see you next week for the first episode of our One Shot series!

Hosts: Sapha Burnell, K. S. Bishoff, Emily Armstrong

Audio Production: Emily Armstrong

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Yrii Semchyshyn

Welcome to Episode 9 of We Aren’t Dead Yet, a podcast throwing magic missiles into the ttrpg, gamer and speculative fiction sphere and seeing whether we come out alive at the end.

Every Thursday will be WADY Day, a celebration of something gamer, literature or culture shocking with three friends who found each other online via World Anvil and went “Hey! Let’s talk”. We found out we all have a lot to say and different approaches to the same questions.

We have a veteran Dungeon Master, an award winning World Builder & Media Producer, and a bestselling cyberpunk + mythpunk author, here to snark, speak and speculate on fiction, creative professions and games.

Today’s episode… Exploring Dragons Across Cultures & Time!

In this episode, we embark on a mythical journey through the fascinating world of dragons. We start by unraveling the origins and diverse cultural interpretations of dragons, exploring these majestic creatures from the chaos dragons of ancient Egypt to the celestial Lung of Chinese mythology, the cosmic struggles of Tiamat, and the Nordic prophecy of Jormungandr. Transitioning to modern depictions, we witness the evolution of dragons in literature, gaming, and film. From the fearsome beasts of Dungeons & Dragons to the lovable companions of How to Train Your Dragon, dragons have captivated audiences with their power, mystery, and charm.

If you want to support We Aren’t Dead Yet, please subscribe to become one of our Not Dead Knights and consider a paid tier, purchase something from our Merch Store, buy Macabre and Monstrous, our first anthology of horror stories and shout out about We Aren’t Dead Yet on social media.

Have a question you want to ask about the episode, the writing sphere or table top role playing games? Hit us up with comments on substack, down in the comments section below, or by throwing a question up on X @usurperkings or @e__armstrong.

Every little bit helps.

Cheers for now,

We’ll see you next week for the first episode of our One Shot series!

Hosts: Sapha Burnell, K. S. Bishoff, Emily Armstrong

Audio Production: Emily Armstrong

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Yrii Semchyshyn

Welcome to Episode 8 of We Aren’t Dead Yet, a podcast throwing magic missiles into the ttrpg, gamer and speculative fiction sphere and seeing whether we come out alive at the end.

Every Thursday will be WADY Day, a celebration of something gamer, literature or culture shocking with three friends who found each other online via World Anvil and went “Hey! Let’s talk”. We found out we all have a lot to say and different approaches to the same questions.

We have a veteran Dungeon Master, an award winning World Builder & Media Producer, and a bestselling cyberpunk + mythpunk author, here to snark, speak and speculate on fiction, creative professions and games.

Today’s episode… Mythical Creatures on the Fringes of Science!

From modern sightings to theories that challenge conventional understanding, we examine the mysteries surrounding creatures with limited evidence and potential explanations from cryptozoology and mythology. Join us as we discuss the intriguing theories of Sasquatch’s evolutionary ancestry, the possibility of Megaboa, and other unconventional ideas related to mythical creatures. Explore stories of animals once thought to be purely fictional, like the giant squid or okapi, and learn how science continues to unravel the secrets of the natural world.

If you want to support We Aren’t Dead Yet, please subscribe to become one of our Not Dead Knights and consider a paid tier, purchase something from our Merch Store, buy Macabre and Monstrous, our first anthology of horror stories and shout out about We Aren’t Dead Yet on social media.

Have a question you want to ask about the episode, the writing sphere or table top role playing games? Hit us up with comments on substack, down in the comments section below, or by throwing a question up on X @usurperkings or @e__armstrong.

Every little bit helps.

Cheers for now,

We’ll see you next week for a discussion about side characters in media and NPCs!

Hosts: Sapha Burnell, K. S. Bishoff, Emily Armstrong

Audio Production: Emily Armstrong

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Yrii Semchyshyn

Welcome to Episode 7 of We Aren’t Dead Yet, a podcast throwing magic missiles into the ttrpg, gamer and speculative fiction sphere and seeing whether we come out alive at the end.

Every Thursday will be WADY Day, a celebration of something gamer, literature or culture shocking with three friends who found each other online via World Anvil and went “Hey! Let’s talk”. We found out we all have a lot to say and different approaches to the same questions.

We have a veteran Dungeon Master, an award winning World Builder & Media Producer, and a bestselling cyberpunk + mythpunk author, here to snark, speak and speculate on fiction, creative professions and games.

Today’s episode… Mythical Creatures Rooted in History!

In this episode, we check out the legends, folklore, and cultural significance of creatures from across different societies. From ancient tales of gods and monsters to more recent creatures, we uncover the origins and meanings behind these mythical beings. Discover how creatures like Scylla and Charybdis were born from attempts to understand and control the forces of nature, and how they continue to shape our perceptions of the world around us.

If you want to support We Aren’t Dead Yet, please subscribe to become one of our Not Dead Knights and consider a paid tier, purchase something from our Merch Store, buy Macabre and Monstrous, our first anthology of horror stories and shout out about We Aren’t Dead Yet on social media.

Have a question you want to ask about the episode, the writing sphere or table top role playing games? Hit us up with comments on substack, down in the comments section below, or by throwing a question up on X @usurperkings or @e__armstrong.

Every little bit helps.

Cheers for now,

We’ll see you next week for a discussion about mythical creatures and cryptids on the fringes of science!

Hosts: Sapha Burnell, K. S. Bishoff, Emily Armstrong

Audio Production: Emily Armstrong

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Yrii Semchyshyn

Welcome to Episode 6 of We Aren’t Dead Yet, a podcast throwing magic missiles into the ttrpg, gamer and speculative fiction sphere and seeing whether we come out alive at the end.

Every Thursday will be WADY Day, a celebration of something gamer, literature or culture shocking with three friends who found each other online via World Anvil and went “Hey! Let’s talk”. We found out we all have a lot to say and different approaches to the same questions.

We have a veteran Dungeon Master, an award winning World Builder & Media Producer, and a bestselling cyberpunk + mythpunk author, here to snark, speak and speculate on fiction, creative professions and games.

Today’s episode… Catching Up With Current Nerd Media news!

Take a break and chill with us today while we discuss current developments in our favorite media! After lamenting our aim in the original Battlefront, we share our perspectives on the portrayal of iconic characters like Batman and the Joker, explore the complexities of antiheroes like Punisher and John Wick, and pop down a rabbit hole of Steadicam shots. Get ready to geek out with us!

If you want to support We Aren’t Dead Yet, please subscribe to become one of our Not Dead Knights and consider a paid tier, purchase something from our Merch Store, buy Macabre and Monstrous, our first anthology of horror stories and shout out about We Aren’t Dead Yet on social media.

Have a question you want to ask about the episode, the writing sphere or table top role playing games? Hit us up with comments on substack, down in the comments section below, or by throwing a question up on X @usurperkings or @e__armstrong.

Every little bit helps.

Cheers for now,

We’ll see you next week for a discussion about mythical creatures and cryptids from history!

Hosts: Sapha Burnell, K. S. Bishoff, Emily Armstrong

Audio Production: Emily Armstrong

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Yrii Semchyshyn

Welcome to Episode 5 of We Aren’t Dead Yet, a podcast throwing magic missiles into the ttrpg, gamer and speculative fiction sphere and seeing whether we come out alive at the end.

Every Thursday will be WADY Day, a celebration of something gamer, literature or culture shocking with three friends who found each other online via World Anvil and went “Hey! Let’s talk”.

We have a veteran Dungeon Master, an award winning World Builder & Media Producer, and a bestselling cyberpunk + mythpunk author, here to snark, speak and speculate on fiction, creative professions and games.

Today’s episode… For the Love of All Things Villainous!

In our Valentine's Week episode, we explore the essence of the villainess, dissecting our crafting process behind these characters. Discover the individuality within evil as we discuss the importance of defining unique personality traits for female villains and challenge conventional notions of morality. From dark queens to jilted lovers, we examine the various archetypes and dive into what makes villainesses both captivating and terrifying.

If you want to support We Aren’t Dead Yet, please subscribe to become one of our Not Dead Knights and consider a paid tier, purchase something from our Merch Store, buy Macabre and Monstrous, our first anthology of horror stories and shout out about We Aren’t Dead Yet on social media.

Every little bit helps.

We’ll see you next week for a discussion about media and IP!

Hosts: Sapha Burnell, K. S. Bishoff, Emily Armstrong

Audio Production: Emily Armstrong

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Yrii Semchyshyn

Welcome to Episode 4 of We Aren’t Dead Yet, a podcast throwing magic missiles into the ttrpg, gamer and speculative fiction sphere and seeing whether we come out alive at the end.

Every Thursday will be WADY Day, a celebration of something gamer, literature or culture shocking with three friends who found each other online via World Anvil and went “Hey! Let’s talk”.

We have a veteran Dungeon Master, an award winning World Builder & Media Producer, and a bestselling cyberpunk + mythpunk author, here to snark, speak and speculate on fiction, creative professions and games.

Today’s episode… The History of Female Villains!

Join us in this episode as we unravel the history of female villains in fiction from mythology to modern day. Beyond the seductive facade lies a world of complexity. We delve into the motivations and backstories of the most compelling female villains, challenging simplistic portrayals and uncovering the layers that make them truly fascinating.

If you want to support We Aren’t Dead Yet, please subscribe to become one of our Not Dead Knights and consider a paid tier, purchase something from our Merch Store, buy Macabre and Monstrous, our first anthology of horror stories and shout out about We Aren’t Dead Yet on social media.

Every little bit helps.

We’ll see you next week for part 2 to discuss how we build our female villains!

Hosts: Sapha Burnell, K. S. Bishoff, Emily Armstrong

Audio Production: Emily Armstrong

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Yrii Semchyshyn

Welcome to Episode 3 of We Aren’t Dead Yet, a podcast throwing magic missiles into the ttrpg, gamer and speculative fiction sphere and seeing whether we come out alive at the end.

Every Thursday will be WADY Day, a celebration of something gamer, literature or culture shocking with three friends who found each other online via World Anvil and went “Hey! Let’s talk”.

We have a veteran Dungeon Master, an award winning World Builder & Media Producer, and a bestselling cyberpunk + mythpunk author, here to snark, speak and speculate on fiction, creative professions and games.

Today’s episode… How to Write A Strong Female Character!

In this episode, we analyze the evolution of the strong female character in speculative fiction and provide tips on writing better leading ladies. We'll take a look at the seven feminine archetypes, from maiden to mystic, and celebrate the breakout heroines who shattered glass ceilings thanks to their defiantly human portrayals. From Ripley in Alien to Katniss Everdeen, we explore what gives these icons an undeniably real magnetism and complexity beyond just being “badass.” We’ll dig into nuanced characterization that resonates. Should you make her flaws obvious vulnerabilities or barely perceptible quirks? Unpack the level of struggle, growth, and moral ambiguity today's audiences expect.

If you want to support We Aren’t Dead Yet, please subscribe to become one of our Not Dead Knights and consider a paid tier, purchase something from our Merch Store, buy Macabre and Monstrous, our first anthology of horror stories and shout out about We Aren’t Dead Yet on social media.

Every little bit helps.

We’ll see you next week for a discussion on female villains in fiction!

Hosts: Sapha Burnell, K. S. Bishoff, Emily Armstrong

Audio Production: Emily Armstrong

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Yrii Semchyshyn