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.
There are more Adventure Paths out there than I’ll ever come close to having the time to play in, and I’ve learned from experience that I’m just not built to run them. That’s why I’m thankful for all of the Pathfinder and Starfinder actual plays out there that let me parasocially sit in on them, and to Paizo for supporting such endeavors.
Paizo’s had a forward-thinking attitude towards influencers since first publishing Pathfinder (back when we were called New Media creators). They recognize that content like podcasts and actual plays aren’t copyright infringements or competition, they’re the sincerest form of free advertisement. They allow fans to experience more Pathfinder content than they otherwise could, and in more ways.
Believe it or not, this started as a shout out to Dice of Thunder and their playthrough of Outlaws of Alkenstar. I started listening to the show about a month ago after some casual interactions with the show’s Twitter account. I’m not currently playing in any Pathfinder games, and even if I tried to bring my old Pathfinder group back together, they’ve scoffed at the technological side of the campaign setting before. So, the odds of me ever playing in an AP set in Alkenstar are lower than any Adventure Path short of Iron Gods.
But OoA only brought me to the pod. The group’s energy, creativity, and love of the setting kept me coming back for more. Granted, I’m only a couple of episodes in (a week in Cuba followed by the ice storm set me back on my regular podcast listening), but I’m happy with what I’ve heard so far. If you, like me, would love to play in an Alkenstar AP if only you had a group, maybe give Dice of Thunder a listen.
Network Update
If you follow the Know Direction Twitch channel, you may have received this e-mail notification last week:
That’s right, Know Direction: Beyond is coming out of stasis.
The last of the KD podcasts to return from hiatus after The Great KD Staff Culling (called that with love!). When Paizo hired Dustin Knight to a full time position as a Starfinder Developer, KD Beyond lost a cohost and, critically, its producer. Although I spent a lot of time thinking about the new direction for Know Direction, I have to admit I left KDB on the backburner. Its return is 100% the product of the shows legacy cohosts, Alex and James, and new cohost and producer John Godek.
John has a lot of network content on his plate. He’s been an asset since joining the Network, and I’m sure his fellow Starfinder fans will thank him for bringing the technical knowledge that enabled Know Direction Beyond’s return.
Alex, James, and John are working out details of the first episode’s release date, but since there’s now evidence of Know Direction’s official return out there, I figured it was a good time to make the announcement.
Speaking of the Know Direction Network content, here are the articles and podcasts that released last week:
Recap of April 10th to April 14th
What happened last week on knowdirectionpodcast.com and twitch.tv/knowdirection?
Monday, April 10th
Article
Now You Know – What’d I Miss
By Ryan Costello
A lightning round of the previous week’s top stories.
Wednesday, April 12th
Podcast
Presenting – Jeremy Blum
I was not familiar with Jeremy Blum’s work, but I found this a fascinating listen. His experience into both sides of the impact of cultural consulting editors was insightful.
Thursday, April 13th
Podcast
Legend Lore 52 – Iomedae
I love a lore episode that starts with “we’re covering this topic because it’s on our list, but it ended being way more interesting than I gave it credit for.”
Article
Investing In: Low Level Additions
By Rob Pontious
Kind of a grab bag of resources and shout outs for Kingmaker 2e content, including an original creature, the Shadow Spirit.
Friday, April 14th
Podcast
Upshift 015 – Just Chillin
I had a long week and wasn’t in the headspace for a crunchy or in depth topic, but I was in the mood to chat with Jason.
Preview of April 17th to April 21st
Block 1 of our 2-block schedule.
Monday, April 17th
Podcast
Intrepid Heroes 105 – Saving Absalom Station
Haven’t had a chance to listen to today’s episode yet, but oh no! Absalom Station’s in danger? Where are our Intrepid Heroes when we need them?
Article
Now You Know – Beyond Returns
By Ryan Costello
Making titles nonsensical without context by nouning verbs and adjectives is a guilty pleasure of mine.
Tuesday, April 18th
Podcast
Game Design Unboxed 61: Lanterns
Danielle talks with Chris Chung, the designer of Lanterns: The Harvest Festival.
Wednesday, April 19th
Podcast
Know Direction 287
Esther and Navaar host the Know Direction Network’s flagship podcast, dedicated to Pathfinder news, reviews, and interviews.
Thursday, April 20th
Podcast
Digital Divination 81
John and Jason talk Starfinder.
Now you know,
Ryan Costello
