Who would have thought that the hosts of the Lore Watch Podcast would be excited to talk about the new Lorewalking feature coming to World of Warcraft ? The episode goes through the scenarios in detail, so if you'd prefer to have your Lorewalking experience as unspoiled as your own recollection of past events, note that they discuss everything about them at length. Part of that discussion also includes the implications of why we might be visiting these particular points in the lore -- Arthas, th...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 369
If in between hauling Brann's sorry carcass through another delve and racing around in your car in Undermine you haven't been paying close attention to the story of The War Within , we've got your back. Starting from the pre-patch and the radiant song, Matt and Joe recap the events of the expansion so far. There will be spoilers up through the end of the Undermine raid, so be wary. And of course, it just wouldn't be a Lore Watch Podcast if there wasn't a bit of heavy speculation as to where the ...
May 28, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 368
This week's Lore Watch is based on a listener question, which mashes together two of Joe and Matt's favorite topics: Azeroth and Dungeons and Dragons . Specifically, this episode goes through doing just that: how they would play their way through a World of Warcraft -themed D&D campaign. They discuss their picks for the best tabletop system to play their way through a potential Azeroth-themed adventure, and then dive deep to discuss which small corner of Azeroth's history -- from setting to ...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 367
On this week's Lore Watch Podcast, Joe and Matt are joined again by our writer Eric O'Dea, and they continue to explore how the telling and re-telling of stories about creatures in folklore has evolved into the creatures we now know in some of our favorite media. This week they start the discussions with dragons and all their forms -- sapient, verbal, Dungeons and -- and how Dragons tend to affect the retellings of other creatures, too. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 366
While they are unassuming little creatures, their presence in fantasy lore ranges all the way from traditional folklore all the way into modern day Dungeons and Dragons and World of Warcraft . With the help of staff writer Eric O'Dea, Joe and Matt delve deep to discuss the history of these little critters, from their origins as sprites or brownies or the fae all the way up to "you no take candle." They also discuss the evolution of creatures in general, like vampires, and how they are imagined i...
May 07, 2025•56 min•Ep. 365
This week, Joe and Matt take to the mailbag to answer your questions, which are as varied as you are. First, since WoW has a tendency to bring back characters from the dead, and we just quote-unquote "killed" Gallywix, do we think he's actually dead, or will he be back? Then, in harkening back to a past episode, the connection between the Arathi and the Nerubians -- and whether the Nazrethim is what is keeping them in balance. Also, we discuss Galactus and his place in the Marvel universe. As I ...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 364
This week's episode was inspired by a question from a listener, about where the story is going from here as we make our way toward the next expansion of World of Warcraft , Midnight . We veer right into Tinfoil Hat territory pretty quickly. After all, it's tough when a lot of the sources we have are either written by unreliable narrators, or were written well before any of current events were even thought of -- which is part of the question itself. The Titans, the First Ones, and how they intera...
Apr 16, 2025•54 min•Ep. 363
The Netflix animated show Cyberpunk Edgerunners is a great entry in the Cyberpunk universe, and one we felt worth exploring in-depth. Joe and Matt give us a spoiler-filled tour of Night City and how all the details of life in that universe lead to a dystopia packed with despair. This is an episode from the archives, so it's one we felt we should bring back to the front in case you missed it. Content Warning : both the podcast and the show we're discussing involve violence, bodily harm, mental he...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 362
While we do enjoy going off on wild tangents or thinking about "what if," sometimes it's important to just go back to the crucial source material. The specific writing in-game can not only work to create a vibrant world, but with careful study, can inform the overall trajectory of what you can expect to come. WoW is no different, so today we're taking a look at a set of perhaps overlooked, but no less beloved, sets of writing from the game. We hope you enjoy. If you enjoy the show, please suppor...
Apr 01, 2025•43 min•Ep. 361
This week's Lore Watch Podcast is Q&A style, so the topics veer all over the place -- more so than usual. We start off with a question about the Emerald Dream and whether it was designed as a prison -- timely, given Hearthstone 's latest expansion releasing yesterday. Speaking of Hearthstone , the next question concerns in-game board games, and what kind of play happens on Azeroth. Then, they follow it up with a question about the Botani and other NPCs potentially coming to Azeroth from diff...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 360
Join our hosts Joe Perez and Matt Rossi as they discuss the lore around the Sethrak, the snakelike humanoids we initially met in Vol'dun in Battle for Azeroth . How does their worship of the animalistic Loa spirits shape their society? Titans may tie in to the animalistic loa, and the two working together may have shaped Azeroth as we know it. Plus, they discuss the evolution of species in the context of a magical world: when is a dragonfrog a froglike dragon and when is it dragonlike, but a fro...
Mar 19, 2025•57 min•Ep. 359
This week we put on the tinfoil hat to contemplate Xal'atath's plans for the future, the nature of the void, and where we might be going in the Midnight expansion due out in 2026. As with most of our wild speculation episodes, the conversation goes off the rails and then forgets there were ever rails in the first place. Enjoy! If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you c...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 358
We're doing something a little new this week for Lore Watch, with a remaster of an older episode. As Joe explains in the new intro, we wanted to highlight something that we've already covered, but which could use another look as it becomes relevant again. Paladins or Crusaders are one of the most common fan picks for the second new class to come to Diablo 4 , so we're revisiting the lore that makes them so popular. In this episode, Joe and Matt give us a primer on the in-game religions that Crus...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 357
Death Knights, one of the most iconic, lore-heavy classes added to World of Warcraft , are the core topic of this week's Lore Watch, this time with a focus on what dead means, really. Join Joe and Matt as they discuss the other types of undead we know, and how their existence shapes current Death Knights. The concept of Death Knights, and death in general started a long time ago in WoW 's history, so there's a lot of ground to cover. How were they made? Are they fully dead, or partly alive? How ...
Feb 26, 2025•52 min•Ep. 356
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...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 355
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 una...
Feb 05, 2025•56 min•Ep. 354
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. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hoste...
Jan 29, 2025•55 min•Ep. 353
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. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 22, 2025•57 min•Ep. 352
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. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...
Jan 15, 2025•56 min•Ep. 351
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 worl...
Jan 01, 2025•57 min•Ep. 350
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. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 18, 2024•57 min•Ep. 349
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. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast....
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 348
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. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 347
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. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 346
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. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 345
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. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 344
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. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , where you can get these episodes early and ad-free! Hosted on Acast. See aca...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 343
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. If you enjoy the show, plea...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 342
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. If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon , ...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 341
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 If you enjoy the show, please support us on Patreon...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 340
