What started as one gamer wanting to talk about his love of a game grew into a podcast network. Ryan founded what would become the Know Direction Podcast network with Jason "Jay" Dubsky, his friend and fellow 3.5 enthusiast. They and their game group moved on to Pathfinder, and the Know Direction podcast network was born.
Now married and a father, Ryan continues to serve the network as the director of logistics and co-host of Upshift podcast, dedicated to the Essence20 RPG system he writes for and helped design.
You can find out more about Ryan and the history of the network in this episode of Presenting: http://knowdirectionpodcast.com/2021/01/presenting-ryan-costello/
Inspired By is a new Behind the Screens subseries in which Ryan talks about something everyday he cames across -be it a book, song, toy, etc- that inspired him as a GM. In today’s installment, he talks about the...
In Keyword Design, I use a single word as inspiration for a mundane item, a magic item, a feat, a spell, and a class option. Today’s word is “Cunning” as suggested by Aaron. Here’s a confession: I haven’t been...
We are easing back into Geek Together’s new format. Part 1 features an interview with Jordan Cosgwell, a DOTA Geek whose cultural blindspots fascinate Ryan. Part 2 features the return of Cathy, talking about our recent Nightmare game night. Featuring Catherine...
The following situation emerged shortly into a session run by my friend and first time GM Amelie (pronounced Emily, despite what your eyes might tell you): After killing a monster that ambushed us in a room with cavernous cracks...
In Keyword Design, I use a single word as inspiration for a mundane item, a magic item, a feat, a spell, and a class option. Today’s word is “Singleton” as suggested by Peter. Peter’s suggestions were technical and tied...
I have declared on the podcast on a number of occasions that making players roll their damage dice with their to-hit dice to save time is the worst commonly given advice to GMs. However, before today, I haven’t articulated...
Rest easy, anyone who is worried about the future of Know Direction: the farewell in the title is not about the network; we are back for another year. Mostly. After three and a half years writing for you from...
In Keyword Design, I use a single word as inspiration for a mundane item, a magic item, a feat or trait, a spell, and a class option. Today’s word is “taste” as suggested by Nick V. Mmmmm… Pathfinder. I...
Star Wars: The Last Jedi has split the fandom, and we’re here to show that whether you love it or hate it, you can still talk about. Be warned, spoilers start early and continue throughout! Featuring Blind Ferret Entertainment’s...
In Keyword Design, I use a single word as inspiration for a mundane item, a magic item, a feat, a spell, and a class option. Today’s word is “power” as suggested by Aaron. I was intimidated that today’s word...