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.
Pathfinder Player Core and Pathfinder GM Core release in two weeks, but the Know Direction Network received advanced copies, and the embargo to share our thoughts ends today. We’re thrilled to dig into what ORK-compatible Pathfinder looks like, and how we feel the changes will impact our campaigns. However, we’ll only be sharing our thoughts on these new hardcovers next week, in the next episode of the Know Direction podcast and the next Installment of Investing In. So, in lieu of a full Core hype session, I’ll use this October 30th blog space to share some final Halloween feelings.
I don’t usually speak as a parent (unless you see me as the father of the Network. In which case, please don’t), but something occurred to me the other day that made me realize why I like Halloween more than most holidays.
There’s no lying.
I don’t need to put aside my usual science-encouraging parenting style to indulge in tales of spirits and fairies and giant delivery bunnies. I don’t need to keep up with the holiday specials they’re watching and try to justify how the updates to the holiday lore on one show fits in with the holiday lore on another. I don’t have to listen to my kids ask questions that show a proper analytical mindset, stare them in the eyes, and say “because magic”.
No, when it comes to Halloween, we’re all in on the joke. They know all of the monsters and characters walking their streets are just people having fun. They can appreciate the craft that goes into the costumes and decorations they see. There’s no weird power dynamic dividing believers and enablers. We’re all in this together.
In a lot of ways, that’s similar to the GM/player dynamic. It’s at its best when everyone works toward the same goal. “Can I do this?” is just the player’s way of saying Trick Or Treat. The GM embellishing a creature’s attack is the same as the neighbour cackling like a witch as they give out candy. It’s not necessary, but it adds to the experience.
So good gaming, and Happy Halloween, everyone!
Oh, wait, also, it’s the Know Direction Network’s 16th anniversary. Curse me and Jay Dubsky for recording and releasing our podcast so close to Halloween. Sure, that makes it easy to remember, but also easy to forget! Thanks to everyone, from our staff to our listeners, who helped make this the network it is today.
Speaking of The Know Direction Network, here is the great gaming content we released last week:
Recap of October 23rd to October 27th
What happened last week on knowdirectionpodcast.com and twitch.tv/knowdirection?
Monday, October 23rd
Article
Now You Know – Spooky Lore
Legend Lore is back! But for how long? We’ll see. I just know Loren and jess didn’t want to miss the opportunity to talk undead before Halloween.
Tuesday, October 24th
Podcast
Tavern Rats 9 – Cartography and Confrontation
This marks the final episode of Tavern Rats, which is entering into an indefinite hiatus.
Wednesday, October 25th
Podcast
Know Direction 296: Dave Nelson on Highhelm, Freelancing, and More
Dave Nelson talks all about getting into and maintaining his impressive Pathfinder freelance career. Esther does a great job as host here. I’ve interviewed Dave before, and yet I feel like I learned so much in this episode.
Article
Know Direction 296 In Writing
A transcript of Know Direction 296 is available in case the audio version isn’t for you.
Thursday, October 26th
Podcast
Legend Lore 64 – Undead Archetypes
Loren and jess are in their element (not a Rage of Elements pun, I mean it sincerely) talking about Pathfinder 2e’s undead archetypes. Things really heat up (again, not a plane of fire pun, sometimes I use single entendres) when they get to their builds.
Article
Investing In: Halloween
By Rob Pontious
Rob talks about the overlap between Earth’s Halloween holiday and Golarion’s Allbirth, showing how you can use the similarities for a spooky and thematic October session.
Friday, October 27th
Podcast
Upshift 025: Cobra Codex Breakdown
If you want to know more about the Essence20 hardcover that puts you in a pair of Cobra Trooper army boots, you want to check out this episode. Also, if you think I only use Upshift to talk about my positive contributions to the line, enjoy the refreshing tale of how badly I screwed up delivering my Cobra Codex turnover.
Preview of October 30th to November 3rd
Block 1 of our 2-block schedule.
Monday, October 30th
Podcast
Intrepid Heroes 119 – Your Joy Is Presumed
If the title of the latest Intrepid Heroes confuses you, just give it a listen. You’ll definitely understand by the end of the episode.
Article
Now You Know: Pumpkin Core
By Ryan Costello
Sure, I could talk Pathfinder Core or the Network’s anniversary, but instead I talk about honest to goodness Halloween.
Tuesday, October 31st
Podcast
Game Design Unboxed 75: Wingspan
OK, not the spookiest October 31st content, but Wingspan was a huge hit when it landed, and it’s a boon that Danielle gets to talk to designer Elizabeth Hargrave.
Article
Eldritch Excursion
By Nate Wright
Nate’s Pathfinder and Starfinder designs and musings.
Wednesday, November 1st
Article
Behind The Screens
By Ryan Costello
I use a popular culture lens to share my GMing thoughts and experience.
Thursday, November 2nd
Podcast
Digital Divination 95
John and Jason talk Starfinder.
Friday, November 3rd
Article
Essential Builds – The Rocketeer
By Nate Wright
In the latest Upshift, I talked myself into building The Rocketeer as an Essence20 PC.
Now you know,
Ryan Costello
