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.
As someone who haven’t played more than a few hours of Starfinder, I didn’t realize how much I missed Know Direction Beyond. I loved episode 74, recorded live two weeks ago and released last week. Alex’s enthusiasm, James’ dry wit, and their chemistry elevate my interest in the episodes above my understanding of Starfinder.
Nothing against Paizo’s science fantasy RPG, of course. In a world where it didn’t release shortly after the birth of my second child, where most of my free time was already commited to Paizo’s ever-expanding flagship brand, I could have gotten into Starfinder as much as I got into Pathfinder. That’s why I’m so thankful that we have staff that loves it. That absolutely includes John Godek. Between Intrepid Heroes and Digital Divination, he’s already driving most of the network’s Starfinder content. John joining the Beyond team as the new producer solidifies the show’s foundation.
Another aspect I didn’t realize I missed was the live component. The cast interacting with their Twitch audience brought back fond memories of recording live episodes of Know Direction. We could float questions out into the universe confident we’d get our answers shortly thereafter, and we could highlight the best listener comments in real time. I don’t see myself hosting a regular live show again any time soon, though, so I’ll have to live vicariously through KDB content.
Speaking of the Know Direction Network, here are the articles and podcasts that released last week:
Recap of May 1st to May 5th
What happened last week on knowdirectionpodcast.com and twitch.tv/knowdirection?
Monday, May 1st
Podcast
Intrepid Heroes 106 – Plan of Action
I love a good influence NPC scene. And by good, I mean the GM brings the rules to life. These scenes are the perfect demonstration of how well a GM understands the story potential of mechanics, and Ron Lundeen understands that very well.
Article
Now You Know – Remove Disease
By Ryan Costello
For the record, there’s still a tickle in my throat. Or mucus in my lungs. Or one causing the other.
Tuesday, May 2nd
Podcast
Game Design Unboxed 62: Deadly Dowagers
Funny story: I thought Downton Abby was a murder mystery before I started watching it. I was on high alert for clues, suspicious behaviour, and Chekhov’s guns. When the first episode ended, I had this funny feeling like I’d watched it wrong. And Deadly Dowagers reminded me of that. I’m planning on picking it up.
Wednesday, May 3rd
Podcast
Know Direction 288: Treasure Vault Breakdown
I’ll admit, I haven’t cracked the spine on my Treasure Vault yet. I figured it’s handy to have if I get a regular Pathfinder 2e game going again, but otherwise it went straight to the shelf. It’s just a book of equipment options, y’know? Or is it? The way this review (and Rob’s earlier Investing In: Treasure Vault Lore article about it) highlighted the quality of the narrative intrigues me. I need to grab this off the shelf and see for myself.
Article
Know Direction 288 In Writing
KD 288 available in writing for those who prefer that format.
Thursday, May 4th
Podcast
Digital Divination 082 – Jason is back at Paizo
I’m surprised this didn’t get a People On The Move ICv2 article. After roughly 8 months at Renegade Game Studios developing on the Essence20 line, Jason returned to Paizo to develop Pathfinder.
Friday, May 5th
Podcast
Know Direction Beyond: 74 – Back in Beyond
Alex and James return, now with John by their side, to talk Starfinder again, starting with a review of Interstellar Species.
Preview of May 8th to May 12th
This is Block 2 of our 2-block schedule.
Monday, May 8th
Article
Now You Know – Blast From The Future
By Ryan Costello
Because the sci-fi show is back.
Wednesday, May 10th
Podcast
Presenting – Navaar Jackson
John chats with new Know Direction cohost Naaar Jackson.
Article
Behind The Screens
By Ryan Costello
Veteran Game Master Ryan Costello talks with his fellow GMs on their side of the GM screen.
Thursday, May 11th
Article
Investing In
By Rob Pontious
Rob shares what he loves about the RPGs he’s been playing lately, and why you should check them out.
Friday, May 12th
Podcast
Upshift 16
Jason and I talk Essence20.
Now you know,
Ryan Costello
