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.
Wizards of Eem
Inspirations Behind Land of Eem: Our Appendix N | Wizards of Eem EP015
What inspired the whimsical yet epic world of Land of Eem? In this episode of the Wizards of Eem Podcast, creators Ben Costa and James Parks pull back the curtain on the books, movies, comics, and shows that shaped the heart and humor of this one-of-a-kind fantasy RPG. Think of it as our very own Appendix N—a creative roadmap in the spirit of Gary Gygax’s legendary list from the Dungeon Master’s Guide.
We explore how The Muppets, Fraggle Rock, and Labyrinth brought warmth, hope, and heartfelt silliness to Land of Eem’s tone. Then we dive into the “Worlds in Peril” that added grit and grandeur—Mad Max, RoboCop, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Gotrek & Felix. From there, we celebrate the heroes, antiheroes, and lovable weirdos who defined the game’s storytelling DNA: Conan the Barbarian, Usagi Yojimbo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hellboy, Ghostbusters, and Bone.
We also talk shop about the games that influenced our design philosophy—AD&D 2E, Star Wars RPG, Dungeon World, World of Warcraft, and Diablo II—and how they shaped Land of Eem’s blend of story, travel, and treasure.
By the end, you’ll see how whimsy, sincerity, and epic stakes collide to make Land of Eem what it is: a world of adventure, friendship, and heartfelt absurdity.
Visit www.landofeem.com
to download the FREE Quickstart Guide, or grab the full Land of Eem RPG from Exalted Funeral, your local game store, or your favorite online retailer.
Join our Discord community, subscribe, and leave a review if you love tabletop RPG podcasts that mix comedy, creativity, and wonder.
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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