Episode 4

full
Published on:

28th Aug 2024

E04. The Game is afoot!

RIF - Episode E04

1) Tales from the Tome: YA Fantasy & SMUT

  • Young Adult (YA)Fantasy
  • Smut: sexual material: Related to 16th century verb “smudge” or “blacken” referring to something indecent or obscene
  • 'Twisted' series by Anna Huang
  • 'Haunted Adeline' by H.D. Carlton
  • 'Icebreaker' by Hannah Grace
  • 'A court of silver flames' (5th book) by Sarah J Maas

2) Lorebound: Dungeons & (Mother of) Dragons

  • (Advanced) HeroQuest
  • MTG
  • DnD

D&D is a tabletop role-playing game where players create characters and embark on adventures guided by a Dungeon Master (DM), who narrates the story and controls the world. Players use dice to determine the outcomes of their actions, balancing strategy, creativity, and teamwork. The game emphasizes storytelling, character development, and collaboration.

  • D&D was co-created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson and first published in 1974.
  • Gygax, inspired by his love for wargames, imagined a game that combined storytelling with tactical combat.
  • Arneson introduced the concept of role-playing individual characters rather than controlling entire armies.
  • Together, they developed the first version of D&D, which allowed players to explore fantasy worlds, battle monsters, and create their own stories.

The game gained popularity through word of mouth, conventions, and its unique appeal to the imagination, eventually becoming a cornerstone of modern gaming culture. D&D's legacy is its profound influence on video games, fantasy literature, and pop culture at large.

Strong points of D&D:

  • Creativity & Imagination: Players can create unique characters and stories, leading to limitless possibilities.
  • Social Interaction: Encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and social bonding with friends.
  • Flexibility: D&D can be adapted to different styles, from combat-heavy sessions to deep role-playing experiences.
  • Legacy & Influence: As a pioneering RPG, it has a rich history and a large, supportive community with countless resources.

Drawbacks:

  • Complexity: The rules and mechanics can be overwhelming for beginners.
  • Time Commitment: Sessions can be lengthy, and campaigns may last months or even years.
  • Dependence on Group Dynamics: The experience heavily relies on the group’s chemistry and commitment.

Overall, D&D is a rewarding but demanding hobby that offers deep, creative gameplay and a strong community.

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, D&D's legacy includes shaping modern RPGs, influencing popular culture, and fostering a global community of players and creators who value imagination and shared experiences.


3) Through the Palantir:


  • The Making of Dungeons & Dragons: 1970-1977 (June 18th, 2024)
  • Quests from the Infinite Staircase (July 16th, 2024)
  • D&D Direct to explore the future of D&D airs on 27/08/24
  • New Player’s Handbook (September 17th, 2024)
  • Prime new series 'Secret Level' based on games incl. D&D. (10/24)
  • Worlds & Realms: Adventures from Greyhawk to Faerûn (October 29th, 2024)
  • New Dungeon Master’s Guide (November 12th, 2024)
  • New Monster Manual (February 18th, 2025)

Upcoming book reviews:


Links

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About the Podcast

Rolling Into Fantasy
Where Fantasy Finds Its Voice
Welcome to "Rolling into Fantasy," a bi-weekly podcast where a father-daughter duo, both avid Fantasy enthusiasts spanning over more than 30 years of love for Fantasy, delve into the enchanting world of Fantasy. With an inter-generational approach, we explore Fantasy literature, games, pop culture, music, series & movies. Each episode connects different aspects of Fantasy, rolling seamlessly from one topic to another. Join us every fortnight on Thursdays as we discuss the origins of Fantasy, current news, and exciting things to come in the realm of Fantasy. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the genre, "Rolling into Fantasy" has something magical for everyone.

Get notified & don't miss an episode; subscribe to our list: https://tinyurl.com/35eakx6x !

About your hosts

Laurent Bettens

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At the age of 6, I took my first steps into the world of fantasy, specifically science fiction, when Star Wars made its debut on the big screen. From that moment, this universe forever shaped my love for fantasy. The surge of fantasy and adventure movies in the eighties only deepened my passion for the genre. However, my true love for fantasy stories ignited with the discovery of the English Fighting Fantasy gamebook series by Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson, as well as the Lone Wolf series by Joe Dever.

With a strong interest in medieval history and literature, I have always been drawn to that era, which provides a bottomless source of inspiration for all types of fantasy stories and games. Now, several decades later, the fantasy genre has expanded into numerous sub-genres of literature, games, and merchandise, becoming a way of life for many.

I am fortunate to have been able to pass on my love for fantasy literature and games to my daughters and son. Together with my eldest daughter, Marie-Noor, we want to share our passion for fantasy with others and explore new horizons. This led to the idea of launching our co-hosted podcast, "Rolling Into Fantasy," where fantasy finds its voice. This will be an adventure of our own, and needless to say, we are both excited and a bit scared.

Marie-Noor Bettens

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My journey into the world of fantasy began as a child with the Harry Potter series. The adventures of Harry and his friends at Hogwarts captivated my imagination, sparking a deep love for both reading and writing. This early fascination with fantasy was the push I needed to explore other fantasy literature.

As I grew older, my taste in fantasy evolved. I discovered the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas and my father introduced me to Game of Thrones. These stories made it clear I have a preference for the medieval and epic fantasy subgenre.

In high school, I found another outlet for my love of fantasy through role-playing games and Dungeons & Dragons. This hobby quickly became one of my favourites, allowing me to actively participate in creating and exploring fantasy realms. The collaborative storytelling and endless possibilities of DnD have further fueled my passion for fantasy, making it an integral part of my life.