Wizards of Eem

By James Parks, Ben Costa

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 / Ra

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FAQs about Wizards of Eem:

How many episodes does Wizards of Eem have?

The podcast currently has 12 episodes available.

Wizards of Eem episodes:

July 11, 2025 Random Encounters: The Secret to Effortless GMing | Wizards of Eem EP012
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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 they eliminate prep time for live games, and how they help GMs keep the adventure moving even when players take unexpected turns.
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
...more
19min
July 03, 2025The Case for Imbalanced Combat | Wizards of Eem EP011
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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 odds
Real GM tips for using imbalance as a storytelling tool
Forget stat math—this is about drama, discovery, and heroic failure.
Tune in and learn how to make your next unbalanced encounter unforgettable.
Support the Kickstarter for Land of Eem: Dungeoneer Adventures + Underlands:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/land-of-eem-beginners-rpg-for-kids-underlands-expansion
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
...more
16min
June 27, 2025 The Easiest Way to Run TTRPGs for Kids | Wizards of Eem EP010
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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: The Beginner’s RPG, designed specifically for families and classrooms.
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
...more
14min
June 20, 2025We Failed Every Roll…and it was GLORIOUS | Wizards of Eem EP009
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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 complete failure, failure with a plus, and success with a twist turn missed rolls into incredible moments of creativity, drama, and humor.
In This Episode:
Why Land of Eem uses a d12 system instead of 2d6
How "failure with a plus" keeps the story moving forward
Tips for Game Masters (GMs) and players on leaning into failure
Why conflict and struggle make your RPG stories unforgettable
Whether you're a GM looking to encourage player creativity or a player tired of binary success/failure outcomes, this episode will inspire you to embrace chaos and find storytelling gold in every misstep.
Listen now and bring these mechanics into your own tabletop RPG sessions.
Download the free Land of Eem beta rules at landofeem.com and start your next great adventure today.
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
...more
17min
May 23, 2025Unleash Dynamic Monsters: How to Make Engaging Creatures | Wizards of Eem EP008
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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 beyond combat. Learn how to:
Give your monsters personality, goals, and backstories
Use social interactions, negotiations, and tricks to create rich roleplaying moments
Make your monsters reactive, alive, and believable—before, during, and after battle
Apply practical GM tips to improvise and adapt monster behavior on the fly
How we approach making creatures in Land of Eem.
This episode is packed with insights for GMs and designers who want their monsters to matter.
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
...more
15min
May 13, 2025Why Adventures Fall Flat (And How to Fix Them) | Wizards of Eem EP007
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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 another RPG, these storytelling tools will help you design irresistible quests, seed compelling conflicts, and build a world your players want to explore.
We break down:
How to craft compelling problems that demand player attention
Why memorable NPCs and adversaries boost immersion
What makes locations worth exploring
How enticing rewards (loot, secrets, favors) keep players coming back
Perfect for GMs, storytellers, and adventure designers, this episode is your guide to crafting sessions that hook players from the start and deliver lasting impact.
🔗 Check out the Land of Eem Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/land-of-eem-beginners-rpg-for-kids-underlands-expansion
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
...more
15min
April 29, 2025 Your NPCs Are Boring! Here’s How to Fix Them! | Wizards of Eem EP006
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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 immersive and engaging.
Whether you're a Game Master or a player, you'll discover tips and tricks for turning even the smallest townsperson into someone unforgettable. Featuring standout characters from the Land of Eem—like The Fisher King, Muckstool the Swindler, and Wendel the Weather-Worrier—this episode is packed with examples, live GM challenges, and storytelling inspiration.
🎲 Ideal for DMs/GMs running D&D, Land of Eem, Pathfinder, and narrative RPGs
Learn how to write NPCs that matter and make players care
Create dynamic dialogue, conflict, and player connection
Tune in now to level up your RPG storytelling!

🔗 Check out the Land of Eem Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/land-of-eem-beginners-rpg-for-kids-underlands-expansion
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
...more
14min
April 16, 2025The Lord of the Rings meets The Muppets?! Why Tone Matters in TTRPGs! | Wizards of Eem EP005
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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
...more
16min
March 14, 2025 Why TTRG Sandbox Campaigns Are Fantastic | Wizards of Eem EP004
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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
...more
23min
March 07, 2025 How to Get Published: Insider Tips for Aspiring Authors | Wizards of Eem EP003
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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
...more
19min

FAQs about Wizards of Eem:

How many episodes does Wizards of Eem have?

The podcast currently has 12 episodes available.