Lore Watch

In this week's show, Matt and Joe discuss the conflict between Alliance and Horde -- and more importantly, the lack of conflict some characters may feel when they're just out there adventuring. Even if their factions are opposed, we've had a ton of time collaborating and helping each other out on a personal level. Could a third, neutral faction be possible, and if so, what would it look like? Then, they deep dive on the question of the relationship between the various opposing forces controlling the WoW universe. Which are completely opposing forces, and which transition from one to the other easily? Would it be possible, for instance, for N'Zoth to become Holy, like we've seen with the Naaru? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's Lore Watch Podcast is a Q & A, but sometimes those questions can give us a chance to go off on a topic we love to discuss. For instance, why Odyn in World of Warcraft is just the worst. Maybe not the absolute worst given what horrors the setting has to offer, but he's certainly getting coal from Greatfather Winter next December. Matt and Joe lay out the reasons why he's a huge J-E-R-K, going back to Azeroth's creation.Then, speaking of Grandfather Winter, if he were suddenly unavailable for Winter Veil Eve, who would take up the mantle? Perhaps Santa Clause-style? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Matt and Joe discuss how history seems to keep repeating itself in Diablo's Sanctuary. (Spoiler: it's because everyone keeps dying.) Plus pointy ears for Humans in WoW aren't just about fashion, darling, because the new Arathi-style ear customization has a lot of lore implications... and then we somehow segued into Star Trek and divergent evolution. That's Lore Watch for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In preparation for the upcoming WoW patch 11.1 featuring the goblin capital The Undermine, we dive into the evolution of the goblins throughout the history of Azeroth, the difference between the various cartels, and the transition of leadership from the exploitive Gallywix to the more ethical Gazlowe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as speculate on a possible connection between Elune and Xal’atath as well as Elune's dual nature and her ties to cosmic forces like the Naaru and the Winter Queen.We also dive into the concept of godhood and if the Titans are actually gods imbued with divine power or just three kobolds in a trench coat using a really good voice changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we discuss an alternate universe for the Diablo franchise where Prince Aidan never embedded the soul stone into his head to become the vessel for Diablo at the end of the first game. How would the lack of this pivotal moment radically alter the events of Diablo II, III, and IV? The discussion delves into alternate outcomes for Sanctuary, the Worldstone, and humanity, while speculating on the role of angels, demons, and the spirit realm in this strange new, yet still terrifying world. It is Diablo after all. It’s not all gonna be happy cow level rainbow times no matter the butterfly effect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we discuss where new class halls could be given some iconic ones were destroyed when Dalaran fell from the sky. Also, more exploration of the true nature of Beledar, the crystal that lights The Hallows. Spoiler: It all ties into the Titans, because of course it does. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we discuss the lore questions tied to the official Warcraft novel, “Stormrage”. We delve into Malfurion’s vision of Azeroth and the corrupting influence of Xavius as well as speculation about Azeroth’s sentience, its selective amnesia due to the Emerald Nightmare attacks, and Malfurion’s connection to it all.Bonus: No one repeatedly yelling TYRAAAAAAANDUH! Maybe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we discuss Dragon Age: The Veilguard, exploring the significance of gods, spirits, and corruption in the world of Thedas, the protagonist’s role in the narrative, and the Big Story Choice that must be made early on. And, of course, the companions. You know, the real reason we’re playing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we discuss how Beledar, the immense crystal lodged in the cavern ceiling of the Hallowfall zone, could be connected to Naaru ships, Titan technology, world-soul constructs, elemental magics, stormrook gryphons, Xal'atath, and pumpkin pie. Ok, I may be making that last one up. Maybe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Joe explore the possibility that Faerin Lothar of Hallowfell is being set up as a love interest for Anduin, the questionable motivations of the High Heavens and Burning Hells post-Diablo 3, and the parallels between the way the Diablo and WoW franchises approach storytelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Joe debate the philosophical implications of how the Light affects free will, its relation to the Void, and its influence on prominent lore characters like Anduin Wrynn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We conclude our Dragon Age lore series with the game that started it all: Dragon Age: Origins. This episode delves into the morally complex world of Thedas, the struggles of the Grey Wardens, and the foundation of the Blight plus other key elements introduced in this title and further developed in the sequels. As usual, more spoilers than Morrigan has witty retorts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Joe are joined by Liz as they dive into what you need to know about the Dragon Age 2 storyline to prepare you for this week's launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. They cover the major events and characters of the title as well as the themes of power, agency, and moral ambiguity the game explores. And, of course, the introduction of everyone’s favorite spicy novel writing scoundrel and hilariously unreliable narrator, Varric Tethras. As usual, spoilers abound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Joe are joined by Liz as they wrap up their discussion of the events in Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred. They cover how the final confrontation of the campaign sets up the next chapter in the game’s story, the larger motivations of Mephisto, and the influence of corporate monetization strategies on the depth of storytelling.Also, multitasking with your mouth. No, really, it makes sense when you hear it. I hope. As usual, spoilers abound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Joe delve into the narrative, characters, and villains from the latest Diablo 4 expansion, Vessel of Hatred. They cover everything from Neyrelle’s continued story arc to the spiritborn’s connection to the spirit realm to the most memorable moments in the game. And, most importantly, how the appearance of a certain spirit was absolutely, totally not inspired by C. S. Lewis. Not one bit. /riversongvoice Spoilers, darling. /riversongvoice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt, Joe, and Liz cover everything you need to know about the lore of Dragon Age: Inquisition in preparation for the upcoming release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. They cover topics ranging from the main Inquisitor storyline to the history of the elves to the deceitful companionship of trickster god himself, the Dread Wolf. Spoilers abound if you haven’t played the Dragon Age titles. Also, what’s wrong with you? Go play the Dragon Age titles! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Matt and Joe as they explore how the plight of the Nerubians of Azj-Kahet may provide insight into other groups corrupted by the Old Gods, more potential underground regions that could be explored in Azeroth, the history and destruction of Dalaran, and the burning question keeping us up at night: Why don’t the Earthen have Scottish accents? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Matt and Joe as they explore the theory that Xal’atath may have began as a Titan construct, the surprisingly inclusive beginnings of the Scarlet Crusade, and the recent influence of the most terrible, evil, and loathsome Old God of them all, daily grinds— uh, Y’Shaarj. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Matt and Joe as they untangle the history and origin of the Arathi from their establishment of the Seven Kingdoms to their alliance with the high elves to their war against the trolls. Plus an overview of which faction in WoW canonically beat major dungeons and raids in the game and how the unholy mixture of void magic and old god corruption pushed forward the monstrous evolution of the Nerubians. Because spider people weren’t disturbing enough already, apparently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.