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AthraPlayEpisode 16: The End of EaseTheir time of recuperation at an end, the Fellowship must decide where their journey will take them next. Though the bonds tying them together may have strengthened, there is worry and fear in their hearts… Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @james.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @theno...2025-07-091h 10AthraPlayBonus Episode: The Fellowship Phase - Behind the ScenesGo behind the scenes as our players talk through our first Fellowship Phase! In this out-of-character conversation, we discuss what the players would like to achieve during this leveling up period, and talk through some of the mechanics. This bonus episode helps to show some of the system behind the narrative events of Episode 16, but is entirely optional. Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @james.athrabeth.com (Bsk...2025-07-0918 minAthraPlayEpisode 15: The Long SummerThe Fellowship regroups, rests, and recovers after their experience in the Deephide. The Casket of Tears may be gone, but they are left with questions, fears, and doubt…Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @james.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter) & @stef.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Tori...2025-06-252h 26AthraPlaySeason One RoundtableThe cast sits down to talk about their favorite moments of season one, the origins of their characters, and where the adventure may be going!Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Ve...2025-05-141h 22AthraPlayEpisode 14: The Casket of TearsThe Fellowship nears the Casket of Tears. Can they stop Greythorn from opening it, and releasing the evil within? Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Dracos - @velvetthedragon (Twi...2025-04-231h 58AthraPlayEpisode 13: Corruption in the DarkAs the Fellowship delves through the lost dwarven city of Belegost, the corruption of the Casket of Tears begins to become manifest. An ambush turns into a struggle for their lives…Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_tori...2025-04-091h 14AthraPlayEpisode 12: The DescentThe Fellowship delves deeper into the ruined dwarven stronghold, striving to reach the Casket of Tears, but new horrors await them in the darkness…Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Drac...2025-03-261h 28AthraPlayEpisode 11: Into the DeephideThe Fellowship has reached the hiding place of the Casket of Tears, but their rivals have gotten there first. Now they must race against time to find a secret path into the dwarven stronghold, before Greythorn can release the Dark Lord…Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midl...2025-03-121h 36AthraPlayEpisode 10: Family ReunionThe Fellowship has arrived in the halls of the dwarves. They’ve come seeking information, but have made a shocking discovery…Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Dracos - @velvetthedragon (Twitte...2025-02-121h 19AthraPlayBonus Episode: The Took Family Movie NightUnfortunately, due to unforseen circumstances, the next full episode will be delayed till 2/12/25. In the meantime, enjoy some bonus content!Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Dracos - @velvetthedragon (Twitter)...2025-01-2206 minAthraPlayEpisode 9: Tea With OrcsThe Fellowship has been ambushed by airborne orcs! Will they stand their ground, or will they fall before the Family of the Wasp?Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Dracos...2025-01-081h 24AthraPlayLoremaster's Corner: Inside Episode 8Welcome back to the Loremaster’s Corner, where we go behind the scenes of the recent episodes of AthraPlay! This episode, James discusses Melian, and her role in the campaign, as well as the nature of the series’ villains. Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenort...2024-12-3118 minAthraPlayEpisode 8: The Eyes of EvendimFollowing the call of a mysterious voice, the Fellowship encounters an ancient seer. Can they handle the truths that are revealed?Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Dracos - @velvetthedragon (Tw...2024-12-251h 08
AthrabethAthraChats: War of the RohirrimIn this very special AthraChat, Jude and Stef sit down to discuss the new film, Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim, directed by Kenji Kamiyama. We ruminate on giant turkey legs, things that go crunch in the water, and general punching. Beware of spoilers! Citations:Smith, Chris. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Visual Companion. William Morrow. ISBN: 9780063422223https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim-visual-companion-chris-smith?variant=42417601511458Find us on the web at https://podcast.athrabeth.com/Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!2024-12-1639 minAthraPlayEpisode 7: Into the LuneThe Fellowship leaves the safety of the Grey Havens and begins their journey north. What new dangers await them in the shadows of the Blue Mountains? Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twit...2024-12-111h 20AthrabethEpisode 77: Interview with Andrew “Trotter” FergusonStef and Jude are joined by Tolkien collecting expert and moderator of the Tolkien Collector’s Guide, Andrew “Trotter” Ferguson. Andrew tells us about his experience collecting and sharing the Professor’s material culture. As it is the holiday season, we finish our discussion with the Father Christmas Letters. Thank you for joining us, Andrew! Citations: Thank you to our special guest, Andrew “Trotter” Ferguson!Andrew’s Bsky: @trotter.tolkienguide.comTolkien Collector’s Guide website: https://www.tolkienguide.com/Tolkien Collector’s Guide Calendar: https://www.tolkienguide.com/cale...2024-12-041h 16AthraPlayEpisode 6: HavensWith the wilderness ahead, the Fellowship seeks council in the Grey Havens, and meets an unlikely ally…Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter) and @athraplay.athrabeth.com (BlueSky)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Dracos - @velvetthedragon (Twitter)Credits:2024-11-271h 27AthraPlayEpisode 5: The Journey BeginsThe Fellowship learns what Greythorn was after, and must make a choice which could determine the fate of Middle-earth… Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Dracos - @velvetthedragon (Twitter) Credit...2024-11-131h 41AthraPlayLoremaster’s Corner: Inside Episodes 3 & 4Welcome back to the Loremaster’s Corner, where we go behind the scenes of the recent episodes of AthraPlay! This time, James is joined by Stef Midlock, the player of Hildigard Took, to talk about the character’s creation, inspirations, and favorite potato recipes!Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenor...2024-11-1033 minAthrabethEpisode 76: Interview with Shaun GunnerJoin us this month for a special interview with Shaun Gunner, Chair of the Tolkien Society. We discuss Shaun’s time with the Society, the upcoming Christopher Tolkien Centenary Conference, and a brand new event for 2025. Citations:Thank you to our special guest, Shaun Gunner! Twitter: @ShaunGunnerWebsites: shaungunner.comTolkien Society-https://www.tolkiensociety.org@TolkienSocietyChristopher Tolkien Centenary ConferenceOnline only, November 23-24, 2024Information and registration at: https://www.tolkiensociety.org/events/christopher-tolkien-centenary-conference/Tolkien Society Hybr...2024-11-061h 10
AthrabethHobbitween 2024To celebrate the ghastliest time of the year, the Weenie gang is back in this very special bonus episode of creepy chimeras and monstrous mills. Join us for Hobbitween 5, and Happy Hobbitween to one and all! CitationsThe One Ring role playing game by Free League: https://freeleaguepublishing.com/en/games/the-one-ring/Cast:Lore Master: James Kaku Pierson, @jpiersonTheo Fleetfoot: Max JiménezOzzie Oiolaire: Zeke Pease, @ezpease, @greenvillearms Iadar Listbalarion: Jude Vais, @eremiticjudePumpkins Proudfoot: Stef Midlock, @thenorthfourTitle musi...2024-10-311h 53AthraPlayEpisode 4: An Ultimatum AnsweredGreythorn has arrived at the Took family’s home, promising death if he does not get the book he seeks…Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Dracos - @velvetthedragon (Twitter)Credits:The On...2024-10-2359 minAthraPlayEpisode 3: A Shortcut To SheepThe Fellowship races to reach the Took family’s hidden library before the mysterious assailants, but danger waits for them on the road…Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Dracos - @velvetthedragon (Twitter)Credit...2024-10-091h 17AthrabethAthraChats: Rings of Power S2 - Episode 8We are bummed that Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 is over. Join us for one last AthraChat for episode 8, “Shadow and Flame.” Beware of spoilers and sexy Sauron. Find us on the web at https://podcast.athrabeth.com/Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Athrabeth is a production of the Athrabeth Podcast Network.Athrabeth is Produced by James Kaku Pierson
2024-10-0742 minAthraPlayLoremaster’s Corner: Inside Episodes 1 & 2Pull up a chair and join us in the Loremaster’s Corner to go behind the scenes of the recent episodes of AthraPlay! This week Loremaster James discusses the campaign’s place in the timeline of Middle-earth, and talks about the museum of the Shire, the Mathom-house! Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coSt...2024-10-0414 minAthraPlayEpisode 2: Flames and FogWhen mysterious strangers ransack the Mathom-house and take a young Hobbit captive, a fellowship is forged…Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Dracos - @velvetthedragon (Twitter)Credits:The One Ring RPG syst...2024-09-2550 minAthraPlayEpisode 1: Many Paths to TreadWhen fate brings together an unlikely fellowship, the safety of all Middle-earth is thrust into their hands… Socials: Find AthraPlay @AthraPlay_cast (Instagram & Twitter)Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Find the cast: James Kaku Pierson - @producerJamesKP (Instagram)Jude Vais - @jude.athrabeth.com (Bsky)Nikki Boylan-Currie - birogues.carrd.coStef Midlock - @thenorthfour (Instagram & Twitter)Tori Owens - @_toriello (Instagram) & @toriello_ (Twitter)Velvet Dracos - @velvetthedragon (Twitter)Credits:The One Ring RPG s...2024-09-221h 34AthrabethEpisode 41: Part of the RingsAthrabeth is produced by James Pierson. James can be found on twitter @jpiersonCitationsBellis, Joanna. The dregs of trembling, the draught of salvation: the dual symbolism of the cup in medieval literature. Journal of Medieval History, Volume 37, Issue 1, March 2011, Pages 47-61. Part of special issue “Feasts and Gifts of Food in Medieval Europe: Ritualised Constructions of Hierarchy, Identity and Community” Edited by Lars Kjær, A.J. Watson. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmedhist.2010.12.003(Accessed November 20, 2021) Lynch, James. The Literary Banquet and the Eucharistic Feast: Tradition in TolkienMyth...2021-12-0154 minAthrabethEpisode 40: Finrod, more like FINErodAthrabeth is produced by James Pierson. James can be found on twitter @jpiersonCitationsJ.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Flight of the Noldor"J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Return of the Noldor"J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beren and Lúthien"J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beleriand and its Realms"J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), T...2021-11-031h 03AthrabethEpisode 37: The Sundering of the ElvesAthrabeth is produced by James Pierson. James can be found on twitter @jpierson"The Sundering of the Elves" as mapped in the Silmarillion: https://i.imgur.com/uIVL8ws.pngThe Tolkien Society Seminar has posted the recording from their "Tolkien and Diversity" seminar to youtube, and you can find all the links on their site here: https://www.tolkiensociety.org/2021/07/recordings-of-tolkien-and-diversity-seminar-now-available/CitationsLetter 211J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Four. Quendi and EldarJ.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "...2021-08-041h 00AthrabethEpisode 36: Tolkien and Diversity RecapAthrabeth is produced by James Pierson. James can be found on twitter @jpiersonThe Tolkien Society Summer Seminar: https://www.tolkiensociety.org/events/tolkien-society-summer-seminar/CitationsBooks:Oluo, Ijeoma. 2019. So You Want to Talk about Race. Seattle, WA: Seal Press.Websites:The Association of Ramaytush Ohlonehttps://www.ramaytush.org/Accessed June 30, 2021Michigan State University, Native American Institute, “Guide to Land Acknowledgements”https://www.canr.msu.edu/nai/about/land-acknowledgements Accessed June 30, 2021Native Governance Center, “A guide t...2021-07-071h 06AthrabethEpisode 35: Stars UnveiledEpisode NotesAthrabeth is produced by James Pierson. James can be found on twitter @jpiersonThe Tolkien Society Summer Seminar: https://www.tolkiensociety.org/events/tolkien-society-summer-seminar/CitationsJ.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, pp. 71, 141 160J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", entries "ANÁR" and "RÎ"J.R.R. Tolkien, Ch...2021-06-021h 02AthrabethEpisode 34: HORSEtory of Rohan Part 2Athrabeth is produced by James Pierson. James can be found on twitter @jpiersonCitationsTolkien, J. R. R., Carpenter, H., & Tolkien, C. The letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 1981.Tolkien, J. R. R. The Lord of the Rings. HarperCollins, 1991.Tolkien, J. R. R. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. New York: The Ballantine Publishing Group, 1988. Print.Shippey, Tom. J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century. Boston :Houghton Mifflin, 2001.From Bosworth Toller’s Anglo-Saxon Dictionary Online: https://bosworthtoller.com...2021-05-051h 16AthrabethEpisode 23: Faramir, more like FINEamirJoin Athrabeth's Discord!Episode 23 mixed by James Pierson (@jpierson)Sources- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings. Appendix A “Gondor and the heirs of Anarion”- H. Carpenter and C. Tolkien (Eds.), The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin (letters 66, 163, 180, 244)- Carter, Steven Brett (2012) "Faramir and the Heroic Ideal of t...2020-06-0346 minAthrabethEpisode 20: Dreams of Myth and PastJoin Athrabeth's Discord!Episode 20 was produced by James Pierson. He can be found on Twitter @jpiersonReferencesInterested in Tolkien Studies? Check out Mythgard Institute: https://mythgard.orgDo you Enjoy table top role playing games? Check out Descent into Midnight! Their Kickstarter ends March 15.Website: http://www.descentintomidnight.comTwitter: @DiMRPG From their website: “Descent into Midnight is a Powered by the Apocalypse tabletop roleplaying game where the players take on the role of alien psionic creatures who are defending their home from an otherworldly cor...2020-03-0443 min