Every week, Now You Know recaps the Know Direction content of the past week, previews the Know Direction content of the week to come, as the director of operations, Ryan Costello, shares his thoughts on the state of the network.
I was thinking a lot about lost media since Warner Brothers locked a completed Batgirl movie in movie purgatory for tax purposes. More recently, Chris Piers tackled lost comic media in the latest episode of Comic Tropes, with the fun twist of covering art created for the unused versions of stories that had fan votes.
For those who don’t know, lost media is any piece of fiction that can no longer be experienced. There’s a Less Than Jake line about “the oldest joke that survived another year” and it always struck me that there are jokes out there that were told, forgotten, and will never be told again.
With that in mind, are RPG campaigns lost media?
Even with published adventures or the fanciest journals filled with the most elaborate campaign notes, the real time, improvised moments experienced at a game table can never be revisited, only remembered. It may not be media in the traditional sense, of course. More like a riff session with continuity. But I’ve been as committed to my favourite campaigns as I was to my favourite TV shows. And while I can stream or track down a DVD of TNG or Downton Abbey, I can only think back on the fun times in Five Seasons or Ludacrous Stilz’ Library of Destiny.
Maybe that’s part of why actual plays caught on in such a big way. Not only do they make listeners feel like they’re sitting at a game table, sharing a favourite hobby with amusing friends, but we can revisit our favourite moments and even entire campaigns.
Network Update
Know Direction: Beyond made its triumphant return last week, but it still needs to find its scheduling footing. Originally planned to record this week, the next live episode of Know Direction: Beyond is now scheduled to record next Wednesday, May 24th.
Speaking of network content, here are the articles and podcasts that released last week:
Recap of May 8th to May 12th
What happened last week on knowdirectionpodcast.com and twitch.tv/knowdirection?
Monday, May 8th
Article
Now You Know – Blast From The Future
By Ryan Costello
I share my excitement for the return of Know Direction Beyond.
Wednesday, May 10th
Podcast
Presenting – Navaar Seik- Jackson
John gets to know one of the new hosts of our flagship podcast, Navaar Seik-Jackson. The Know Direction network traces its roots to before Pathfinder, so I always love insight into how people got into the game and content creation for it after Pathfinder had been around for years.
Article
Behind The Screens – Talk Amongst Yourselves
By Ryan Costello
What are we to do, my fellow GMs, when we need a little time away from the table but we don’t want our players to get distracted?
Thursday, May 11th
Podcast
Legend Lore 54 – Hobgoblins
Funny enough, I never questioned where hobgoblins even come from until Loren and Jess explored the concept’s origins. It’s a fascinating crosspoint of popular culture, history, and gaming needs.
Article
Investing In: PaizoCon 2023
By Rob Pontious
PaizoCon 2023 is only a few weeks away. If, like me, that caught you off guard and you’re not sure you can muster enough excitement in so little time, Rob’s got hype to spare.
Friday, May 12th
Podcast
Upshift 016 – Developing Essence20
As discussed in the last Digital Divination, Jason recently left Renegade Game Studios and returned to Paizo. However, he still has almost a year of Essence20 experience to draw on for Upshift discussions, including this conversation on the role of the developer.
Preview of May 15th to May 19th
Block 1 of our 2-block schedule.
Monday, May 15th
Podcast
Intrepid Heroes 107 – Battle for Jatembe Park
With their friends close, their enemies closer, and their co-conspirators in the party, our Intrepid Heroes prepare for the incoming devastation.
Article
Now You Know – Remove Disease
By Ryan Costello
Two colds and an ice storm. It was a rough April.
Tuesday, May 16th
Podcast
Game Design Unboxed 63: Star Realms
Danielle speaks with two Magic: The Gathering Hall of Famers, Robert Dougherty and Darwin Kastle, the designers of Star Realms.
Wednesday, May 17th
Podcast
Know Direction 289
Esther and Navaar host the Know Direction Network’s flagship podcast, dedicated to Pathfinder news, reviews, and interviews.
Thursday, May 18th
Podcast
Digital Divination 83
John and Jason talk Starfinder.
Now you know,
Ryan Costello
