This episode of Rolling Into Fantasy features a deep dive into the literary experiences of Laurent and Marie-Noor, highlighting their contrasting views on two fantasy books: "The Last Wish" by Andrzej Sapkowski and "Piranesi" by Susanna Clarke. Marie-Noor shares her struggles with "The Last Wish," citing its slow pacing and philosophical dialogue as barriers to her enjoyment, while Laurent praises "Piranesi" for its unique style and atmospheric writing. They also discuss their recent foray into Magic: The Gathering, including an exciting unboxing of Kamigawa booster packs and their experiences at a local Comic Con. The conversation touches on the significance of storytelling in both books and music, culminating in Marie-Noor's recommendation of the album "Ninth Hour," which offers a modern retelling of Beowulf. The episode wraps up with reflections on upcoming books and potential guest appearances, leaving listeners eager for the next installment.

The ninth episode of Rolling Into Fantasy immerses listeners in a delightful exploration of both literature and gaming. Laurent and Marie-Noor begin by reminiscing about their previous guest episode, expressing excitement about future guests. They then dive into their individual reading experiences, focusing on 'The Last Wish' by Andrzej Sapkowski and 'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke. Marie-Noor candidly shares her struggles with Sapkowski's writing style, describing it as overly poetic and slow, which made it difficult for her to engage with the story. In contrast, Laurent speaks highly of 'Piranesi,' highlighting its captivating atmosphere and the protagonist's introspective journey through a labyrinthine world. Their discussion underscores the subjective nature of reading and how personal preferences can shape one's literary experiences.

The episode then transitions to a lively discussion on gaming, where Laurent recounts his experience at Comic Con Brussels, providing insights into the atmosphere and organization of the event compared to the more expansive FACTS convention. Despite missing FACTS this year, he shares the joy of participating in a Magic: The Gathering booster draft, emphasizing the thrill of deck-building and the strategic nature of gameplay. The hosts reflect on the community aspect of tabletop gaming and how it fosters connections among gamers, making it a cherished pastime that brings people together.

As the episode draws to a close, the Bard's Ballad segment introduces listeners to 'Ninth Hour,' an album that reinterprets the epic poem Beowulf through music. Marie-Noor delves into the album's themes of humanity, power, and the internal struggles of its characters, paralleling the narrative depth found in literature. Laurent shares his admiration for the death metal band Frozen Soul, noting their positive approach to heavy themes and their unique connection to Magic: The Gathering. This segment encapsulates the rich interplay between music and storytelling, showcasing how both art forms can inspire and resonate with audiences, leaving listeners eager for more insightful discussions in future episodes.

Takeaways:

• The hosts discussed their reading experiences, highlighting their contrasting opinions on the Witcher series.
• Laurent enjoyed Piranesi for its unique style and philosophical depth, rating it highly.
• Marie-Noor found A Monster Calls engaging but questioned its target audience's maturity level.
• The hosts expressed disappointment about missing the Facts event, sharing their friends' feedback.
• Laurent described the Comic Con experience as mixed due to its lack of organization.
• Frozen Soul, a death metal band, creatively merges music with Magic the Gathering gameplay.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Magic the Gathering

Join us for a captivating discussion with our first guest, Sam Verhaegen, who brings a wealth of experience from the world of Dungeons & Dragons and fantasy RPGs. Sam shares his insights on the importance of storytelling in gameplay and how DMs can prioritize narrative over strict adherence to rules. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of tabletop gaming, including the new D&D player handbook and the impact of corporate decisions on the gaming community.

Sam Verhaegen joins the Rolling Into Fantasy podcast for a lively discussion about his extensive experience in Dungeons & Dragons and the broader realm of fantasy RPGs. As an active Dungeon Master (DM) and seasoned player, Sam shares insights into his journey from a novice player introduced to D&D by his friend Vincent to a creative force within his gaming community. He reflects on the evolution of his gameplay style, emphasizing the importance of character development and the collaborative nature of storytelling in RPGs. Throughout the episode, he highlights the significance of using established campaign settings as a foundation for building engaging narratives, advocating for the use of premade materials to enhance creativity rather than stifle it. Sam's passion for creating memorable NPCs shines through as he discusses the joys of giving life to characters with unique voices and backstories, enriching the gaming experience for both players and the DM.

Amidst sharing personal anecdotes, Sam and the hosts delve into the challenges faced by new DMs and players alike, addressing the overwhelming nature of D&D's ruleset. He encourages flexibility in gameplay, advising DMs to prioritize narrative over strict adherence to guidelines, which can often lead to a more immersive and enjoyable experience. As the conversation unfolds, the trio explores the balance between combat and storytelling, with Sam acknowledging the need for combat mechanics while advocating for a more narrative-driven approach. This discussion resonates with many in the gaming community, as they seek to find their unique style and voice within the D&D framework.

We explore the challenges of balancing combat mechanics with creative storytelling, emphasizing the collaborative nature of role-playing games. As we wrap up, Sam offers valuable advice for both new players and DMs, encouraging a focus on creativity and enjoyment in the world of fantasy role-playing.

The episode culminates in an examination of the future of Dungeons & Dragons, particularly in light of recent changes in the game’s rulebooks and the impact of corporate influences on the hobby. Sam expresses concerns about the shift towards a more commercially driven approach to the game, emphasizing the importance of maintaining community engagement and the spirit of creativity that has always defined tabletop gaming. The hosts and Sam share their excitement for upcoming campaigns and personal projects.

Takeaways:

• Sam Verhaegen shares his journey into Dungeons and Dragons, starting at age 19.
• He emphasizes the importance of imagination and creativity in gameplay and storytelling.
• Sam prefers using pre-made campaigns as a base, adding his own flavor and characters.
• The collaborative nature of D&D allows players to influence the story significantly.
• He believes the new D&D rules are more of a cash grab than necessary improvements.
• A good Dungeon Master prioritizes story over strict adherence to rules for better gameplay.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Wizards of the Coast
• Hasbro

Episode seven of Rolling Into Fantasy dives into the world of fantasy literature and gaming, featuring a vibrant discussion on our short to-be-read lists alongside a selection of intriguing titles. We explore three books each, highlighting Patrick Ness's "A Monster Calls," Samantha Shannon's "The Bone Season," and Christopher Paolini's "Eragon." The episode also includes an exciting segment on recent unboxings of tabletop RPG and card game products, including a special surprise reveal of Magic: The Gathering cards inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. We tease a potential first guest appearance, an experienced DM, who will bring expert insights to future episodes. With a focus on popular tabletop RPGs and card games, this episode is packed with recommendations and a commitment to engage with the fantasy genre.

Takeaways:

• Noor & Laurent discussed their short TBR lists, featuring books like 'A Monster Calls' and 'Aragon'.
• They plan to read at least one book each by the next episode.
• The episode introduced an exciting unboxing segment with Magic: The Gathering cards and a special box.
• The podcast aims to invite expert guests to discuss various fantasy games and literature.
• They highlighted the importance of music playlists for enhancing role-playing game experiences.
• The episode concluded with insights into popular tabletop RPGs, including D&D and Pathfinder.

We had almost missed another Fantasy Literature genre in our Episode 2 & 3: …Comic Fantasy!

A subgenre of fantasy literature that combines:

• elements of the fantastical with humor,
• often using absurdity, satire, and parody
• to poke fun at traditional fantasy tropes or real-world issues

Some key novels:

• Discworld Series, by Terry Pratchett
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
• Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
• The Princess Bride, by William Goldman
• The Eyre Affair, by Jasper Fforde
• The Myth Adventures Series, by Robert Asprin
• The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle

Marie-Noor: top 5 fantasy books

1. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
2. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
3. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
4. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
5. Silber by Kerstin Gier

Laurent: top 5 fantasy books

1. A Song of Ice and Fire (GOT), by George R. R. Martin
2. The Wheel of Time series (14!), by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
3. Lord of The Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
4. The Priory of the Orange Tree, by Samantha Shannon
5. The Broken Earth trilogy, N.K. Jemisin
6. The Dark Tower series (8), by Stephen King

Many music artists have been heavily inspired by fantasy literature, weaving elements of myth, magic, and epic storytelling into their work. These artists often draw on themes, characters, and settings from fantasy novels and folklore, creating immersive and imaginative soundscapes. Some music genres are particularly conducive to incorporating fantasy elements due to their themes and atmosphere.

Music Genres that excel at incorporating Fantasy elements (historically):

• Folk Rock/Metal
• Power Metal
• Progressive Rock/Metal
• Symphonic Metal
• Glam Rock
• Space Rock

Led Zeppelin

Often incorporated references to fantasy, especially the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. For example, songs like “Ramble On” (mentions Mordor and Gollum) and “The Battle of Evermore” include explicit references to The Lord of the Rings.

Blind Guardian

This German power metal band is renowned for its deep ties to fantasy literature, particularly the works of Tolkien and other epic fantasy authors. Their albums often tell stories inspired by mythological and literary sources.

Nightfall in Middle-Earth (a concept album based on Tolkien’s The Silmarillion)

“The Bard’s Song” (a tribute to storytelling and fantasy)

Rush

The progressive rock band frequently explored themes of mythology, science fiction, and fantasy. Their lyrics, especially those written by drummer Neil Peart, often deal with philosophical and fantastical elements.

“The Necromancer” (a fantasy narrative in three parts)

“Rivendell” (a serene ballad inspired by The Lord of the Rings)

Jethro Tull

While known for their mix of rock and folk, Jethro Tull’s lyrics often touched on mystical, mythical, and fantastical themes. Ian Anderson’s distinctive flute playing adds to the band's ethereal and medieval feel.

“Songs from the Wood” (inspired by folklore and myth)

“The Minstrel in the Gallery” (features storytelling and bard-like imagery)

Rhapsody of Fire (formerly Rhapsody)

This Italian band is a pioneer of “symphonic power metal,” often featuring elaborate fantasy-inspired concept albums. Their work creates a cinematic, epic atmosphere full of dragons, warriors, and mystical lands.

“The Emerald Sword Saga”...

Book review: "Godkiller" by Hannah Kaner

• A dark fantasy novel set in a world where gods exist but are often feared or hunted.
• The main character, Kissen, is a mercenary known as a "Godkiller," who despises deities after they destroyed her family.
• Kissen is drawn into an unexpected alliance with a young girl connected to a powerful god, forcing her to confront her beliefs.
• She is a morally nuanced character whose personal struggles make her journey relatable and emotionally engaging.
• Themes of Faith and Morality: the story explores deep themes like the nature of belief, revenge, and forgiveness, creating a thought-provoking narrative.
• Well-paced action sequences
• Score: 7.5/10 (Laurent)

Book review: "Twelve Jackals" by Moud Adel

• A fantasy novel set in a divided world
• where rival factions wield unique magic, but at a great cost—
• using their powers shortens their lives.
• The protagonist, Rakamai, leads his people in the land of Kala, where they strive for peace despite the looming threat of war from two newly allied enemy factions.
• Rakamai is forced to navigate dangerous alliances and the deadly consequences of magic to protect his people and prevent their annihilation.
• The novel combines elements of political intrigue, magic, and a strong moral dilemma
• The intended target audience is more likely young-adult readers
• Although stated differently, not really a detailed world-building and character-driven stories with a mix of action and ethical challenges
• Score: 6.5/10 (Laurent)

Book review: "Sister, Maiden, Monster" by Lucy A. Snyder

• A dark fantasy and horror novel that follows the transformative journeys of three women after a mysterious virus begins to reshape humanity.
• Each woman undergoes a disturbing and powerful metamorphosis, drawing them into a nightmarish world of ancient horrors, monstrous entities, and cosmic forces.
• The novel weaves themes of body horror, feminist commentary, and apocalyptic dread, making it a gripping read for fans of horror and speculative fiction.
• Score: 7/10 (Marie-Noor)

• A Collectible & Customizable Card Game
• Created by Richard Garfield and first released in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast.
• Initially designed as a quick and portable game for conventions, it revolutionized gaming by combining strategic card play with collectible elements.
• Over the years, MTG has evolved with numerous expansions, adding new mechanics and deepening its rich lore.
• Today, it boasts a massive global community, professional tournaments, and an online platform, making it a cornerstone of both tabletop and digital gaming.
• MTG released over 100 expansion sets since its debut in 1993, with 3-4 sets typically released each year. These expansions introduce new mechanics, cards, and themes, continuously evolving the game.
• As of 2023, MTG features over 25,000 unique cards.
• The player base is estimated to be around 35 million globally. This includes casual players, collectors, and professional competitors in tournaments such as the Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour.

• Players as powerful wizards called...

RIF - Episode E04

• Young Adult (YA)Fantasy
• Smut: sexual material: Related to 16th century verb “smudge” or “blacken” referring to something indecent or obscene
• 'Twisted' series by Anna Huang
• 'Haunted Adeline' by H.D. Carlton
• 'Icebreaker' by Hannah Grace
• 'A court of silver flames' (5th book) by Sarah J Maas

• (Advanced) HeroQuest
• MTG
• DnD

D&D is a tabletop role-playing game where players create characters and embark on adventures guided by a Dungeon Master (DM), who narrates the story and controls the world. Players use dice to determine the outcomes of their actions, balancing strategy, creativity, and teamwork. The game emphasizes storytelling, character development, and collaboration.

• D&D was co-created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson and first published in 1974.
• Gygax, inspired by his love for wargames, imagined a game that combined storytelling with tactical combat.
• Arneson introduced the concept of role-playing individual characters rather than controlling entire armies.
• Together, they developed the first version of D&D, which allowed players to explore fantasy worlds, battle monsters, and create their own stories.

The game gained popularity through word of mouth, conventions, and its unique appeal to the imagination, eventually becoming a cornerstone of modern gaming culture. D&D's legacy is its profound influence on video games, fantasy literature, and pop culture at large.

Strong points of D&D:

• Creativity & Imagination: Players can create unique characters and stories, leading to limitless possibilities.
• Social Interaction: Encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and social bonding with friends.
• Flexibility: D&D can be adapted to different styles, from combat-heavy sessions to deep role-playing experiences.
• Legacy & Influence: As a pioneering RPG, it has a rich history and a large, supportive community with countless resources.

Drawbacks:

• Complexity: The rules and mechanics can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Time Commitment: Sessions can be lengthy, and campaigns may last months or even years.
• Dependence on Group Dynamics: The experience heavily relies on the group’s chemistry and commitment.

Overall, D&D is a rewarding but demanding hobby that offers deep, creative gameplay and a strong community.

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, D&D's legacy includes shaping modern RPGs, influencing popular culture, and fostering a global community of players and creators who value imagination and shared experiences.

• The Making of Dungeons & Dragons: 1970-1977 (June 18th, 2024)
• Quests from the Infinite Staircase (July 16th, 2024)
• D&D Direct to explore the future of D&D airs on 27/08/24
• New Player’s Handbook (September 17th, 2024)
• Prime new series 'Secret Level' based on games incl. D&D. (10/24)
• Worlds & Realms: Adventures from Greyhawk to Faerûn (October 29th, 2024)
• New Dungeon Master’s Guide (November 12th, 2024)
• New Monster Manual (February 18th, 2025)

Upcoming book reviews:

• Laurent: “

Our second part of the various Fantasy literature sub-genres we (dis)cover in this segment takes us from Urban Fantasy through Grimdark, to Flintlock Fantasy. Buckle up!

Urban Fantasy

• Set in a contemporary urban environment
• Magic and supernatural creatures exist in the modern world, often hidden from the public
• Examples:

- The Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher

- Rivers of London, by Ben Aaronovitch

- Kate Daniels series, by Ilona Andrews

- October Daye series, by Seanan McGuire

- The Iron Druid Chronicles, by Kevin Hearne

Portal Fantasy

• Characters travel from the real world to a magical or fantastical world through a portal.
• Often involves a journey of discovery or adventure in a new world with its own rules and logic.
• Examples:

- The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis

- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll

- The Dark is Rising, by Susan Cooper

- The Light Between Worlds, by Laura E. Weymouth

- The Fionavar Tapestry, by Guy Gavriel Kay

Mythic Fantasy

• Incorporates elements of myth and legend into the narrative.
• Often draws on classical mythology, folklore, or ancient legends to craft the story.
• Examples:

- American Gods, by Neil Gaiman

- The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller

- The Dark is Rising, by Susan Cooper

- The Light Between Worlds, by Laura E. Weymouth

- The Fionavar Tapestry, by Guy Gavriel Kay

Science Fantasy

• Blends elements of science fiction and fantasy.
• Incorporates advanced technology alongside magical or supernatural elements.
• Examples:

- Dune, by Frank Herbert

- The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

- The Dark Tower, by Stephen King

- Shadowrun, RPG novels

- The Broken Earth Trilogy, by N.K. Jemisin

- Lord of Light, by Roger Zelazny

- Piranesi, by Susanna Clark

- Scythe, by Neil Shusterman

Grimdark

• A sub-genre of Dark Fantasy that emphasizes bleak, dystopian settings with morally gray characters.
• High levels of violence, despair, and often a pessimistic worldview.
• Examples:

- Warhammer 40,000 series

- Prince of Thorns, by Mark Lawrence

- The Malazan Empire, series by Ian C. Esslemont

- Best Served Cold, by Joe Abercrombie

- The Traitor Baru Cormorant, by Seth Dickinson

- The Poppy War, by RF Kuang

- The Assassin's Apprentice, By Robin Hobb

Gaslamp Fantasy

• Fantasy set in or inspired by the Victorian or Edwardian eras, often featuring steampunk elements.
• Combines the aesthetics and social structures of the 19th century with magical elements.
• Examples:

- Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series

- The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern

- The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters, by Gordon Dahlquist

- The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter, by Theodora Goss

- Soulless, by Gail Carriger

Weird Fantasy

• Incorporates surreal, bizarre, or otherworldly elements.
• Often...

We delve into a myriad of Fantasy literature sub-genres and get lost in their descriptions, grey zones and publications. Here the Fantasy literature sub-genres we cover in our segment 'Tales of the Tome' of this Rolling Into Fantasy episode:

High Fantasy:

• Set in a secondary, often magical world with epic stakes.
• Grand, sweeping stories with a clear battle between good and evil, featuring complex world-building, often with maps, languages, and detailed histories.
• Examples:

-The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien

- The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan

- The Chronicles of Prydain, by Lloyd Alexander

- The Inheritance Cycle, by Christopher Paolini

- The Belgariad, by David Eddings

- Throne of Glass, by Maas

- The Hobbit, by J.R.R; Tolkien

Low Fantasy:

• Set in the real world or a world similar to ours but with magical elements that are less pervasive.
• Magic and fantastical elements exist but are more subtle or rare; stories are often more grounded.
• Examples:

- Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling

- Percy Jackson, by Rick Riordan

- The starless sea, Erin Morgenstern

- The Raven Cycle, by Maggie Stiefvater

- The Magicians, by Lev Grossman

- Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman

- The Bartimaeus Trilogy, by Jonathan Stroud

Sword and Sorcery:

• Focuses on fast-paced, action-driven stories involving heroes, magic, and combat.
• Emphasis on personal conflicts, battles, and adventures, often with a lone or small group of protagonists.
• Examples:

- Conan the Barbarian, by Robert E. Howard

- Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, by Fritz Leiber

- Elric of Melniboné, by Michael Moorcock

- The Witcher series, by Andrzej Sapkowski

- Thieves’ World anthology, edited by Robert Asprin

Epic Fantasy:

• A sub-genre of High Fantasy characterized by large-scale stories, often involving world-spanning quests and battles.
• Multi-volume series with numerous characters, intricate plots, and detailed world-building.
• Examples:

- A Song of Ice and Fire, by George R.R. Martin

- The Stormlight Archive, by Brandon Sanderson

- Malazan Book of the Fallen, by Steven Erikson

- The Broken Empire, by Mark Lawrence

- The Faithful and the Fallen, by John Gwynne

Dark Fantasy:

• Blends fantasy with horror, focusing on dark, often violent themes.
• Morally ambiguous characters, grim settings, and an atmosphere of dread or despair.
• Examples:

- The Black Company, by Glen Cook

- The First Law, by Joe Abercrombie

- Atlas Six, by Olivie Blake

- Wicked Saints, Emily A. Duncan

Historical Fantasy:

• Combines historical settings with fantasy elements.
• Real historical events, places, or figures are integrated with magic, mythical creatures, or alternative histories.
• Examples:

- Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, by Susanna Clarke

- The Golem and the Jinni, by Helene Wecker

- Babel, by Kuang R. F.

- Circe, by Madeline Miller

Fairy Tale Retellings:

• Reinterpretations of traditional fairy tales.
• Familiar stories reimagined, often with a darker tone or more complex characters.
• Examples:

- Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine

- Uprooted, by Naomi Novik

- Cinderella is dead, by Kalynn Bayron

- Heartless, by Marissa...